Beginnings

Diaz was one of four children, raised in San Francisco's Mission District. His first job, at age nine, was delivering newspapers. Diaz has stated that education was his way out of poverty.

Pre-Assembly career

Diaz worked as an engineer for 17 years prior to going into politics. He served on the San Jose Planning Commission from 1986-1993 before going to the City Council in the 1994 elections.

Senate race

Diaz ran for the 13th Senate District seat in 2004 after John Vasconcellos was termed out. Diaz ran against Elaine Alquist, the wife of Vasconcellos' predecessor in the Senate, Al Alquist. He lost by a margin of 50%-46%.

City Council race, 2006

Diaz attempted to regain his seat on the City Council in 2006; however, he lost to Sam T. Liccardo by a margin of 61%-39%.

Personal and education

Diaz is married to Sandra Diaz, who works in crime prevention for the city of San Jose, and they have one child. Diaz is an alumnus of California State University, San Francisco.

Election history

2006, San Jose City Council District 3

• Sam T. Liccardo 7,883 61.3%
• Manny Diaz 4,977 38.7%

2006, California State Senate District 13 (Democratic Primary)

• Elaine Alquist 34,982 50.1%
• Manny Diaz 32,094 45.9%
• Jose Medeiros 2,864 4.0%

[ Source: Wikipedia ]