From Refugee to Mayor — Charlie’s American Success Story

Born in Vietnam, Charlie escaped by boat at age 14 and arrived in America in 1980 with nothing but determination and a dream. Supporting himself through school, he went on to earn a Master’s in Electrical Engineering and build a successful career in aerospace — rising into senior management — while also becoming a real estate broker, certified life insurance agent, and small business owner.

A devoted husband to his wife, Jacqueline, for over 30 years and a proud father of three, Charlie’s life is grounded in faith, family values, and service to others. He has served as Youth and Young Adult Ministry Director for the Diocese of Orange and has led countless fundraising efforts and candlelight vigils for victims of 9/11, tsunamis, hurricanes, and other disasters. A tireless advocate for refugees, seniors, and the homeless, Charlie has been a compassionate voice for those in need.

With a longstanding record of bridging cultures and delivering real results, Charlie is respected as a leader who listens, takes action, and serves with integrity. Now prepared to serve at the national level, he remains dedicated to advancing policies that ensure safe neighborhoods, economic opportunity for all, responsible fiscal stewardship, and real solutions to homelessness — always guided by the principles of freedom, faith, and conservative values that have shaped his life from the start.

For Charlie, public service is not a career — it is a calling. His journey, his values, and the unwavering support of his wife and children continue to fuel his commitment to America.

A proud Conservative Republican, Charlie has built a proven record of service. First elected in 2016 as Director of the Midway City Sanitary District — where he defeated a 27-year incumbent — he later served as City Councilmember, Vice Mayor, and Mayor of Westminster. Over nine years in public office, Charlie has championed infrastructure improvements, public safety initiatives, economic growth, homelessness solutions, and stronger community relations. He has also held leadership roles with the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District, the League of California Cities, and the Orange County Fire Authority.

Today, Charlie continues his lifelong commitment to serving his community, district, and country — bringing integrity, compassion, and decades of hands-on leadership to every role he undertakes.

Every step of this journey—every door he knocked on, every family he met, every challenge we faced together—has strengthened his belief in the people of this community.

And that is why he is running for Congress.

Not for status.

Not for politics.

But because our community deserves a representative who understands real struggles—someone who has lived them… someone who has served at every level… someone who will never stop fighting for the people.

Charlie is  running to protect the American Dream that changed his life.

To uplift working families.

To care for the vulnerable.

To ensure that every child—no matter where they begin—has a fair chance to rise.

This campaign is not just his. It is ours—our values, our story, our future.

Charlie humbly ask for your support, your trust, and your vote. Together, we will build a stronger, safer, and more hopeful future for our district and for our country.

 

“As Mayor of Westminster, I’ve worked hard to protect the city I call home. Now I’m running for Congress to protect something even greater — the American Dream.” 

Mayor Chi Charlie Nguyen