Joe Lisuzzo seeks state Senate District 28 seat

Joe Lisuzzo, a Republican, is running for California State Senate District 28 in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. He faces Democrat Lola Smallwood-Cuevas.

Asked why he is seeking office, Lisuzzo said in our candidate questionnaire: "After 3 decades of serving the community in LA's state senate district 28 and creating hundreds of jobs in his family company, I want bring my business skill to local and state government. Serving the public should be exactly that: Serving Others." He added: "I also want to eliminate the waste, fraud and abuse that is crippling our city and state."

Candidate information

Party affiliation: Lisuzzo described himself in our questionnaire as "a moderate Republican, who has also been endorsed by California's American Independent party."

Education: Lisuzzo wrote in our questionnaire: "I received my B.A. from California State University and my Master's degree from UCLA."

Family: Lisuzzo wrote in our questionnaire: "I am from a large family of 9 brothers and sisters. Two of my siblings were born with developmental disabilities and another with Leukemia. Hence, I am very aware of what it's like for a families to work hard in order to survive." He added: "I am currently married, with 2 grown sons who are also married and have their own children."

Family in politics or government: Lisuzzo said in our questionnaire: "No one else in my family is involved in politics."

Experience and public service

Lisuzzo said in our questionnaire: "Professionally, I am a retired business person, not a career politician. For 32 years I served Los Angeles creating hundreds of jobs in the food manufacturing industry. I was an owner and operator of Al Gelato Restaurant and Ice Cream Manufacturing Company here in Los Angeles state senate district 28, where I still live." He said the company "landed on the cover of Chicago Magazine's 'Best of Chicago' issue as the best ice cream in the city" in 1982 before moving to California in 1984.

Asked about previous offices, he wrote: "I am currently an elected member of my Los Angeles Neighborhood Council. Additionally, I was elected and serve as the Chairman of Assembly District 55 on L.A's Westside and President of WLARA the West Los Angeles Republican Assembly. I also ran for CA State Senate to represent my district in 2022."

On the issues

Economy: Lisuzzo said on his campaign website: "Large and small businesses are the lifeblood of our city and state but, businesses are leaving LA and CA in droves due to taxes and over regulation. Business taxes must be cut and red tape must be removed."

Housing and homelessness: Lisuzzo said on his campaign website: "This Humanitarian Crisis must be handled compassionately, logistically and immediately. Homelessness in 2024 rose to a staggering 187,000 in LA County alone, enough to fill 3 Dodger Stadiums!"

Public safety: Asked about differences between himself and other candidates, Lisuzzo said in our questionnaire: "I am pro Law & Order and believe we should Refund the Police not Defund them. Plus I believe children and the physically impaired should not have to walk into the streets to avoid homeless encampments blocking our sidewalks, especially by homeless who are impaired by drug and alcohol addiction."

Energy: He said on his campaign website: "CA's gasoline excise tax of .61 cents per gallon is the highest in the USA! As gas pricing affects every family, especially blue collar workers, I will propose a gas tax holiday for all Californians until CA gas prices match the national average."

Education: Lisuzzo wrote on his campaign website: "The children are our future but the majority of LA kids in our public schools test well below the national average, despite increased funding and substantial tax allocation. Alternative school opportunities and reform is needed to help our children succeed."

Infrastructure: He said on his campaign website: "Despite very high taxes, many of L.A.'s sidewalks, streets and street lights are in serious disrepair."