Kelly Seyarto

Kelly Seyarto is a Republican serving in the California State Senate representing District 32, which includes Murrieta. Born in 1962 in La Puente, he is a native Southern Californian who was raised in Baldwin Park and La Verne.

Seyarto had a distinguished career in fire services spanning 35 years. He began as a Paid Reserve Firefighter with the La Verne Fire Department before joining the Inglewood Fire Department as a Firefighter/Paramedic. When Inglewood's fire services were contracted to the Los Angeles County Fire Department in 2000, he transitioned to that department and eventually retired in 2015 at the rank of Battalion Chief. During his firefighting career, he led a 20-person strike team during the 2007 Canyon Fire in Southern California.

After moving to Murrieta in 1991 with his wife Denise, Seyarto became involved in local politics. He first served as a Public Safety Commissioner before being elected to the Murrieta City Council in 1997, serving through 2006. He took a hiatus to focus on his family and fire service career but returned to the council in 2016, serving a total of four terms as Mayor of Murrieta.

Seyarto is married to Denise since 1987 and has three daughters. He has been active in numerous community organizations, including serving on the Board of Directors for the Boys and Girls Club.

Education

Seyarto earned an Associate of Science in Fire Science from Mt. San Antonio College, a Bachelor of Science in Fire Administration and Technology from California State University Los Angeles, and a Master of Public Administration from California State University Long Beach.

Political Experience

Seyarto was elected to the California State Assembly representing the 67th District in 2020, serving until 2022. He was subsequently elected to the California State Senate representing District 32 in 2022 and continues to serve in that position. In the Senate, he serves on seven committees and is vice chair of four: appropriations, natural resources, public safety, and housing. He also served as Republican Caucus Chair.

His legislative priorities include reducing the cost of living, protecting taxpayer property rights, and supporting small businesses with reduced regulation. His first bill as a senator, SB-19, established an anti-fentanyl abuse task force to combat the opioid crisis through public education and resource mobilization. He has also co-authored public safety legislation to increase penalties for retail theft and drug-related crimes, and promoted legislation addressing homeless encampments near schools and transit stops.