Tom J. Bordonaro, Jr.

Tom J. Bordonaro Jr. (born March 22, 1959) is an American politician serving as the Assessor of San Luis Obispo County, California, since 2002. A Republican, he served two terms in the California State Assembly from 1994 to 1998, making him the first wheelchair-user to be elected to the legislative body.

Early life and education Born in Fullerton, California, his father's family is from Italy and his mother's family came to California from East Texas during the Dust Bowl. Bordonaro graduated from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo with a bachelor's degree in agricultural management and a master's degree in agricultural economics from the University of California, Davis.

In his first year of college, Bordonaro was left a quadriplegic after breaking his neck in a car crash. Capps, Walter's widow, ultimately won with 53.46% to Bordonaro's 44.78% of the total vote. He ran in the regularly scheduled general election and lost again.

He was elected San Luis Obispo County Assessor in 2002, defeating 25-year incumbent Dick Frank, and has been unnoposed in every election besides 2018.

1998

Personal life Bordonaro and his wife, Martha, live on a farm in Paso Robles. The couple have four children and two grandchildren.