Javier's story is the story of the American Dream
Javier Lopez: Mayor, coach, businessman, husband, mentor, delivering safety, strength, and opportunity for the Valley.
Javier’s Story is the valley.
In the late 1970s, Javier’s parents left Jalisco, Mexico, in search of a better future. They first settled in Los Angeles before his mother and aunts moved to Ceres, where she picked strawberries on Morgan Road. They lived in the Ceres Labor Camp, working hard to build a new life. A few years later, his father joined them, and together they put down roots in the community they would call home. Javier has proudly called Ceres home since the age of five a true Valley local.
Before entering public service, Javier spent 20 years in the fire-suppression industry, excelling as a programmer and lead technician. That work instilled a strong work ethic, deep technical expertise, and an unwavering commitment to fire life safety. This experience would later prove to have helped him drive a historic change by contracting with MST Fire Consolidated expanding resources and strengthening fire protection for the residents of Ceres.
In 2020, Javier made history by defeating a 13-year City Council incumbent to become Mayor of Ceres, running on a “back to basics” platform focused on responsible spending and public safety. Under his leadership, the city increased pay for all staff, including firefighters and police officers, repaired roads to improve traffic safety and infrastructure, and attracted new businesses and housing development, fostering economic growth. His results-driven leadership earned him re-election in 2024. Another historic win.
Beyond City Hall, Javier is deeply committed to mentoring young people. He began coaching freshman football at Central Valley High School and with his coaching staff led the team to an undefeated season; since then, he has moved up to JV. Through coaching, he instills discipline, hard work, leadership, and respect shaping the next generation of Valley leaders. He was also instrumental in creating the Cross-Town Showdown Parade, held each year before the Friday Night Lights game between Central Valley High School and Ceres High School. Support mayor Lopez in his run for congress and make history once again.
