Chávez began his career in public service after graduating from Chico State when he joined the United States Marine Corps. Chávez served in the USMC for 28 years, rising to the rank of Colonel. Chávez served in all four active Marine divisions, including serving as Chief of Staff for the 4th Marine Division.
Chávez was elected to the Oceanside City Council in November, 2002. He served on the Council for seven years, focusing on economic development, public safety, and good governance. Chávez was selected as the Deputy Mayor of Oceanside in 2004.
Chávez was appointed as the Undersecretary of the California Department of Veteran Affairs by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2009. In January, 2011, Chávez was appointed Acting Secretary. During his time working at the California Department of Veteran Affairs, Chávez focused on streamlining procedures and increasing services for veterans.
Chávez served as Vice-Chair of the Assembly Veterans Affairs Committee and the Higher Education Committee. He was a member of the Rules, Education, Budget, Utilities and Commerce and Health committees. Chávez also served on a number of select committees, joint committees, and caucuses tackling issues ranging from justice reinvestment to environmental issues and K-12 education.
The following candidates ran in the primary for U.S. House California District 49 on June 5, 2018.
Candidate
%
Votes
Candidate
%
Votes
Diane Harkey (R)
25.5
46,468
Mike Schmitt (R)
1.3
2,379
Mike Levin (D)
17.5
31,850
Joshua Schoonover (R)
0.7
1,362
Sara Jacobs (D)
15.8
28,778
Craig Nordal (R)
0.6
1,156
Douglas Applegate (D)
13.1
23,850
David Medway (R)
0.6
1,066
Kristin Gaspar (R)
8.5
15,467
Robert Pendleton (Independent)
0.5
905
Rocky Chávez (R)
7.5
13,739
Danielle St. John (G)
0.4
690
Paul Kerr (D)
4.4
8,099
Joshua Hancock (L)
0.3
552
Brian Maryott (R)
3.0
5,496
Jordan Mills (Peace and Freedom Party)
0.1
233
There were no incumbents in this race.
The results have been certified.
Total votes: 182,090
Personal life
Chávez and his wife Mary live in Oceanside, California. They have three children and five grandchildren. Mary studied at the University of New Orleans and also holds an M.B.A. from California State University, San Marcos. His son Temujin Tom is a physician in South Carolina. Chávez's daughter Regina Ann Shepperson and youngest son Sage John are both college graduates. Chávez is Catholic.
