Melissa Melendez

After incumbent State Senator Jeff Stone announced his resignation to work as a regional director at the U.S. Department of Labor, a special election was ordered to fill his vacant seat. After advancing in the March 3, 2020, special election, Melendez won the runoff election held on May 12 and was sworn into the Senate on May 18.

After the Navy, Melendez took an academic advisory position at Chaminade University for two years before deciding to establish her own business. She then formed a transcription company, contracting with the Chief of Naval Operations, and providing services to the Secretary of the Navy as well as other top-level Pentagon officials. Melendez attended University of Phoenix to earn her MBA in June 2008. In 2008, Melendez was elected to the Lake Elsinore City Council. She served as Mayor Pro Tem as well as Mayor during her four years in local government.

Melissa Ann Melendez (née Schneider; born February 17, 1968) is an American politician serving in the California State Senate. She is a Republican representing the 28th District, encompassing large portions of Riverside County. Prior to being elected to the State Senate, she served in the California State Assembly and on the Lake Elsinore City Council.