BART Board President, Ex-Dublin Mayor Announces Run For Congress

DUBLIN, CA — BART Board President and former Dublin Mayor Melissa Hernandez announced Thursday that she will be running for Congress.

"I’m ready to put in the hard work and tackle our toughest challenges," Hernandez said in a post on social media.

The announcement comes after Rep. Eric Swalwell, who represents the Tri-Valley, chose not to seek re-election. Instead, Swalwell will run to become California's next governor.

Hernandez vowed online to "show up every day ready to work on the big issues, like the rising costs of living, including housing, childcare, and healthcare" if elected.

"Right now, our legislative leaders are out of touch, barely working, and serving the interests of billionaires and special interests at your expense," Hernandez said online. "Meanwhile, the American Dream is slipping away."

Hernandez's roots run deep in the Bay Area.

The daughter of migrant farm workers, who, like many others, chased the American Dream, has lived in Dublin for more than 30 years. She attended California State University, East Bay, where she gradudated with a degree in Political Science, Public Affairs & Administration.

She served on Dublin's city council for eight years before being elected as the city's first Latina Mayor. She served in that capacity until 2024.

During her time leading the Tri-Valley city, she focused on building new housing, creating more open spaces, and improving transportation equity. She also spearheaded the effort to develop the Axis bridge and a mental health urgent care facility in the Tri-Valley.

Following her tenure as Mayor, Hernandez was hired to the BART Board of Directors. She served as Vice President during her 2025 term and was unanimously elected to lead the board as President, becoming the first Latina to hold that position.

Melissa Hernandez joins fellow Democrats Matt Ortega, Abrar Qadir and Republican Wendy Huang in running for the U.S. House California District 14 seat.