Luis Villarreal is a 26-year-old software engineer and self-described 'working-class progressive' from a Mexican immigrant family. Born at University of Utah Hospital and raised in Salt Lake City, he earned his associate degree in computer engineering from Salt Lake Community College and a certificate in full-stack web development from University of Utah. His father has worked in the Carpenters Union for as long as Villarreal can remember; his mother worked multiple jobs to support the family. Villarreal studied political science independently because he believes understanding policy is crucial. He represents the youngest demographic in the Democratic primary field and is running a grassroots campaign focused on working-class representation.
Villarreal represents a second-generation immigrant success story from a Mexican immigrant family. His father has worked in Carpenters Union; his mother supported family through multiple jobs. He studied computer engineering and independently studied political science. At 26, he is one of the youngest candidates in the race and the only one explicitly identifying as 'Democratic Socialist'.