Serving my country and community has been a big part of my life. I moved to Orange County in 1977 when I was assigned to the El Toro Marine Corps Air Station flying the F-4Phantom II. I met my wife Luci in 1980, married in 1982, and Orange County has been our home ever since where we raised our three children.
As a combat decorated fighter pilot, I flew 75 combat missions in Iraq, Kuwait, and Somalia flying the F/A-18 Hornet. As the Assistant Chief of Staff of The White House Military Office I kept communications between the Commander-in-Chief and Pentagon intact during extreme uncertainty. I performed my duties to the highest standards.
After retiring for the Marine Corps in 2004, I flew for Jet Blue Airways as a commercial airline pilot, then went into business as president of a successful company in Anaheim.
I know firsthand how high taxes and excessive regulations can make running a business very difficult. I was elected to the Mission Viejo City Council in 2014, re-elected in 2018, and served as Mayor in 2019. As Mayor, crime was reduced by 27%, the 2019 budget had a $6 million surplus, and unemployment was lowered below 2%.
As your U.S. Representative my top priorities will be to permanently lower individual taxes, raise business deductions, and stop illegal immigration. I will fight to lower healthcare premiums and prescription drug prices, expand coverage to pre-existing conditions, and allow every American access to low group rates.
Finally, I’ll ensure that Orange County remains a safe, prosperous, and great place to live and raise a family. That takes responsible and experienced leadership.
You have my word.
Greg Raths
Colonel U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.)
About Greg Raths
Col. Greg Raths USMC (RET) served our nation for 30 years in the United States Marine Corps. He is a highly decorated combat fighter pilot of Operation Desert Storm, Southern Watch & Restore Hope. He was a F/A-18 Hornet Fighter Squadron Commanding Officer aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln. He also served as the Chief of Staff for the White House Military Office.
Colonel Raths holds multiple degrees including a Master’s Degree from the National Defense University. He holds a BS from Arizona State University in Business and a BA Degree from California State University, Fullerton in History and Political Science.
Since retiring from the United States Marine Corps, Colonel Raths continues his service and dedication to those who have served. He currently serves as Vice-Chairman of the Orange County Veterans Advisory Council as well as on CA State Assemblyman Bill Brough’s Veterans Advisory Committee.
Colonel Raths has been part of the Orange County community for many years. He came to Mission Viejo in 1978 as a young First Lieutenant, where he was assigned to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing at the Marine Corps Air Station in El Toro. He is married to Luci, and together they have three children and six grandchildren.
He was first elected to the Mission Viejo City Council in 2014, and re-elected in 2018. He was unanimously appointed as Mayor of Mission Viejo by his Council colleagues for 2019.
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