BIOGRAPHY

CHILDHOOD & BACKGROUND

Eric was born and raised in Modesto, growing up between Burbank Elementary and completing homework at a corner desk in his parents business on Paradise Road. He boxed at the Maddux Youth Center at Fourth Street Park and played Little League baseball with Westport Southside Youth Baseball, experiences that reinforced discipline, teamwork, and personal responsibility. 

Growing up, Eric learned the value of hard work, accountability, and respect for others from both his family and his community. Those lessons shaped Eric’s commitment to public service and his belief that Modesto should remain a city where families feel safe, neighborhoods are cared for, and opportunity is within reach for everyone.

In 2001, Eric's parents moved from West Modesto to Ceres, where they raised Eric and his five siblings. He then attended Samuel Vaughn Elementary, Blaker Kinser Junior High, and graduated from Central Valley High School in 2010.

His father is a Stationary Engineer at Kaiser Permanente, Modesto Medical Facility and his mother works for Stanislaus County Office of Education, Child and Family Services Division.

Eric’s grandfather immigrated from Mexico to California in the early 1960's with his wife and nine children, after years of seasonal work as a migrant farmworker in the Central Valley. The family eventually settled in West Modesto in the early 70's and raised 12 children.

EDUCATION 

After high school, Eric attended Modesto Junior College, where he served in student government. He transferred to earn a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Spanish from the University of Idaho, where he was also elected by his peers to student government leadership. 

While serving on the university student senate, Eric advocated for students with disabilities. He later went on to earn his master’s degree in Political Management from the George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management.

• B.A., Political Science and Spanish (University of Idaho)

• Master’s Degree, Political Management (George Washington University)

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Eric began his career in public service, working with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Stanislaus County, the Boy Scouts of America, and as a member of the congressional staff for California's 10th Congressional District.

Before serving on the Modesto City Council, Eric served as Chair of the Central Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Government Relations Committee from 2018 to 2022, advocating for small businesses and advancing economic development initiatives across the region.

Eric has worked on K–12 English learner policy at the state level for Californians Together, advocating for bilingual education across California.

He brings nearly a decade of experience in government relations, public affairs, and strategic communications across the Central Valley and Northern California. 

ELECTED OFFICE

Eric currently serves as the Councilmember for District 2 and was appointed Vice Mayor in 2024, where he focuses on delivering real results for our neighborhoods through public safety coordination, economic development efforts, and delivering effective city services. 

Alvarez has served as chair of the Economic Development Committee, the Appointments Committee, and is the regional representative for Stanislaus County cities on the League of California Cities - Central Valley Division. 

Eric is a homeowner in West Modesto.