Ahead of the special election for the 36th State Senate District, the Southern California News Group compiled a list of questions to pose to the candidates who wish to represent you. You can find the full questionnaire below. Questionnaires have been edited for spelling, grammar, length and, in some instances, to remove hate speech and offensive language.
• Also see: What to know about the special election for the 36th State Senate District
Name: Julie Diep
Political party affiliation: Democrat
Other political positions held: Anaheim Elementary School District Trustee (currently serving)
City where you reside: Garden Grove
Why should voters trust you to fill this seat?
As a trustee for the Anaheim Elementary School District, I’ve dedicated myself to ensuring every student and family has the resources they need to succeed. With 25 years as a speech pathologist and as the founder of OC Autism, I’ve been a strong advocate for individuals with disabilities and their families, building programs and policies that make a tangible difference.
I’m running for state Senate because I’ve lived the challenges our community faces, from homelessness and addiction to small business struggles. My family and I have faced these barriers, fueling my commitment to finding real solutions.
I’ve fought for quality education, disability rights and sustainable policies, and I’m ready to amplify those efforts for Orange County. Voters can trust me to prioritize fairness, inclusion and practical solutions. I’ll listen, collaborate and act to address the needs of our community and create a stronger future for District 36.
Many of the cities in this district are older and more established. How can the state help with their housing and economic needs? How would you, as the state senator, help their economies evolve?
Our district’s established cities need investments to modernize infrastructure, such as repairing outdated water systems in Garden Grove or enhancing transit connectivity in Huntington Beach. Housing affordability is a pressing issue. I will push for policies that streamline approvals for affordable, mixed-use developments and adapt vacant commercial spaces into housing while respecting each city’s unique identity.
I will also prioritize small business support and workforce development, particularly in emerging industries, to boost local economies. Coastal areas require shoreline restoration to protect tourism and the environment, while inland cities like Garden Grove and Westminster need more green spaces and urban tree initiatives to combat heat and improve air quality. Addressing these needs together ensures our district thrives while preserving its distinctive character.
Additionally, addressing PFAS contamination is critical to safeguarding public health. Cities like Garden Grove and Westminster face significant challenges with contaminated water supplies. I will advocate for increased state funding to upgrade water treatment systems and enforce stricter regulations on industrial discharges, ensuring safe drinking water for all residents.
What could the state government do to help the cities in the 36th District meet housing needs while still preserving their quality of life and special characteristics?
The state should reduce red tape for developments near transit hubs and encourage adaptive reuse of vacant properties. Local control must guide planning, with state technical assistance ensuring community-specific solutions. The RHNA process needs reforms, as many cities struggle to meet state requirements due to unclear guidance.
Strengthening protections against overdevelopment while empowering residents to participate in planning processes ensures that housing solutions reflect community values and protect the character of cities like Huntington Beach, Garden Grove and Westminster.
The seas are rising and affecting our communities with erosion and flooding, along with a variety of other issues that often look different for different communities. What can the state do to help alleviate those issues caused by climate change for the cities along the coast in this district and those more inland?
Coastal cities like San Clemente, Dana Point and Huntington Beach face erosion. Inland cities, including Garden Grove and Westminster, struggle with extreme heat and limited green spaces. The state must invest in tailored solutions. Shoreline restoration and resilient infrastructure, such as seawalls, can protect coastal communities. Urban tree programs and cooling centers in Garden Grove and Westminster can address heat impacts, while sustainable water management and wildfire prevention measures, like vegetation management, are critical.
Statewide, renewable energy and climate-resilient development practices can mitigate future impacts. These efforts protect lives, homes and jobs while creating opportunities for growth in green industries. We also need to be mindful that we have the right regulations in place for these new solutions when they pose risk to our communities. The Moss Landing incident is rightfully making many residents concerned that the state needs to do more to make sure that utility-grade battery storage facilities are safe and/or far away from sensitive residential or natural habitat areas.
This year has been dubbed the year for affordability policies in the state legislature. What’s one specific idea you have to address an affordability issue in this district and/or the state as a whole?
Affordable housing is essential to keeping families in our communities. The most vulnerable communities are often residents in mobile home parks. These folks are hit the hardest by land rent increases from out-of-state corporate landlords. I propose developing a solution, perhaps by using the IBank, that can allow residents to work together to purchase and manage the land in their mobile home parks, preserving affordability and stability.
If elected, what is the first bill you plan to introduce, and how does it address a pressing issue in the 36th District?
My first bill will focus on expanding access to local news and information resources. Many residents, especially in underserved communities, lack access to accurate, timely updates about their cities and state policies. This bill will fund grants to support local news organizations and support multilingual platforms to reach diverse audiences. We need these efforts to empower residents to stay informed and engaged.
Additionally, I will advocate for preserving cultural districts like Little Saigon, ensuring their economic and cultural contributions are recognized and supported while fostering growth that benefits both the Vietnamese community and the broader district.
How would you balance the district’s needs with statewide fiscal challenges, particularly if budget cuts or revenue shortfalls arise?
Balancing district needs with statewide challenges requires a focus on essentials like education, public safety and infrastructure. Efficiency audits can identify waste in state programs, while public-private partnerships can fund key projects. I will also push for equitable resource allocation to ensure underserved communities aren’t disproportionately impacted by cuts.
The legislature is in the midst of a special session that’s been called to “Trump-proof” California in preparation for the second Trump administration. Legislators have been asked, among other things, to bolster the state’s Department of Justice budget in the event that California would challenge in court some of the Trump administration’s policies. Do you support the idea of setting money aside to protect Californians’ rights? Why or why not?
Yes, I support protecting Californians’ rights by ensuring the state’s Department of Justice is prepared to challenge harmful federal policies. Many in the Vietnamese community fled government overreach, and we value individual freedoms.
California must stand as a bulwark against authoritarianism. We must defend civil rights, public health and environmental protections. We must fight against attacks on immigrant communities, and we must protect our hard-fought citizenship.
What legislative committee would you request to join in the Senate, and how do you feel your background would make you a good fit for the role?
I would request to join the Education and Human Services committees. My work as a trustee for the Anaheim Elementary School District and as a speech pathologist has given me insight into addressing education and accessibility challenges. Supporting diverse student needs and ensuring families have access to critical resources has been central to my career.
Additionally, my advocacy for families and communities equips me to craft policies that prioritize equity, support vulnerable populations and promote long-term community well-being.
Where is your favorite place to grab a bite to eat in the 36th Senate District?
Crème Cafe in Seal Beach. Their dishes are fresh and delicious — it’s my go-to spot to spend quality time with my family, families and our veterans.