Ernesto Arciniega

Advocacy and Government Relations Staff Assistant

Ernesto Arciniega joined the University of California Office of Federal Governmental Relations (UC FGR) in January 2025 as the assistant director for governmental relations and legislative analysis working on education and health care issues.

Prior to joining UC FGR, Ernesto was with the University of California Graduate and Professional Council (UCGPC) for four years, most recently as the director of government relations and legislative affairs and previously as the director of outreach and vice chair. In his most recent position with UCGPC, Ernesto managed the organization’s advocacy portfolio, including organizing lobbying days in Sacramento and Washington.
 
Ernesto has held leadership roles with Rock the Vote, served on the Associated Students UCLA (ASUCLA) Board of Directors and was a fellow at the UC National Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement. From 2014-24, he held numerous student advocacy roles at both UC Berkeley and UCLA, focusing on student governance, supporting undocumented students, advancing civic and political engagement and leading systemwide initiatives that elevate the graduate student experience.

A California community college transfer student, Ernesto received a B.A. in Spanish/Latin American Literatures from UC Berkeley and an M.A. in Spanish/Hispanic Languages and Literatures from UCLA.