“I’ve dedicated my entire life to my family, my community and the Port of Hueneme.”

Jess Herrera Bio

Jess Herrera has devoted his life to working families and waterfront communities in Ventura County. First elected to the Oxnard Harbor District Board of Harbor Commissioners in 1994, he is the longest consecutively serving commissioner in Port history and currently serves as Board Secretary.

For six decades, Jess has worked on the waterfront at the Port of Hueneme, including as a marine clerk coordinating ships and cargo. His understanding of Port operations is matched by a record of labor leadership. He served 10 terms as an executive officer of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and eight terms as chair of the union’s Southern California Regional Jurisdiction Committee, representing workers at the ports of Hueneme, Los Angeles, Long Beach, and San Diego.

As Harbor Commissioner, Jess has championed good-paying union jobs, sustainable growth, modern infrastructure, and strong partnerships between the Port and communities. He helped advance the Port’s growth, its Joint Use Agreement with Naval Base Ventura County, and international relationships that expanded trade and economic opportunity.

Jess is seeking reelection to continue protecting jobs, strengthening the Port’s economic future, improving environmental stewardship, and ensuring that working people and community voices remain central to every decision the Harbor District makes.