Meet
Justin
Matsushita
PhD
Meet
Justin
Matsushita
PhD
I’ve devoted my life to public service—responding to fires and emergencies across California and leading with integrity, compassion, and collaboration as Fire Chief. As a lifelong San Marcos resident who’s lived in every district, I understand our city’s history, character, and people. From growing up at the San Marcos Boys & Girls Club, to leading statewide fire safety initiatives, I’m ready to continue serving and leading the community that raised me.
"I’ve known Justin for well over a decade — both personally and professionally — and his integrity, leadership, and genuine care for others are unmatched. I enthusiastically endorse him for city council and know he will be an incredible leader for the City of San Marcos."
"As a lifelong educator and proud resident of San Marcos, I care deeply about the future of our city and the people who help shape it. That’s why I’m wholeheartedly supporting Justin Matsushita for City Council, District 2. He understands how cities work, how to get things done, and —most importantly—how to lead with compassion, collaboration, and common sense. Justin has spent his life protecting and serving others. I have no doubt he’ll bring that same dedication to serving the people of San Marcos."
"Justin is not just a candidate; he is a product of San Marcos. Raised and educated here, he has spent many years actively serving our community. Justin is a true expert in public safety, emergency management, and fiscal responsibility. This experience provides him with a level of expertise in public safety and city operations that is simply unprecedented in local city governance. On top of all this, he is simply a great guy with a great family."
"I've known Justin for over 25 years and I have witnessed firsthand his trustworthiness, compassion, and commitment to serving others. He's always led with honesty and his heart. I can't think of anyone better suited to serve our community as a member of the city council."
"Few candidates understand community service like Chief Matsushita. With decades of proven leadership, he's ready to tackle complex challenges, strengthen public safety, and always put the residents we serve first!"
"Chief Matsushita knows what it means to serve, sacrifice, and lead. I'm proud to call him a brother as a fellow firefighter. I know he will bring the same passion for community safety the City of San Marcos, just as he has done throughout the State of California."
"Justin is the obvious choice for our endorsement for city council. His life's work supporting working class men and women, and fighting for their pay and benefits, is why the SDICLC supports Justin for city council in 2026."
"As a business owner and friend for over 30 years Justin Matsushita has my full support running for city council, he has been a supporter for many years and is very passionate about the future of our city!"
"Having known Justin Matsushita for over 30 years, and his integrity, honesty, and strong leadership have always stood out. As a small business owner and friend, I’ve seen firsthand his commitment to doing what’s right and leading with both vision and heart. All qualities that make him an outstanding choice for City Council."
"A born and raised San Marcos local, a SMHS Alum and proud supporter of SMHS football that cares deeply for his community - Justin continues to help the youth of our community long after they stop wearing a helmet and shoulder pads. I have witnessed, firsthand, the work he does behind the scenes to ensure our youth have all the tools to guarantee success in adulthood; including connecting and supporting graduates with local EMT/Paramedic and entry level Fire programs in hopes of achieving a career in their desired field."
"I’ve known Justin since our time at Woodland Park Elementary School, and I’ve seen firsthand the way he shows up for his community—with dedication, honesty, and a genuine desire to make things better for the people around him. Justin is someone who leads by example and cares deeply about the long-term health and growth of San Marcos.
I know he would be an asset on the City Council—and someone who would represent the community with integrity and respect!"
"I’ve known Justin for well over a decade — both personally and professionally — and his integrity, leadership, and genuine care for others are unmatched. I enthusiastically endorse him for city council and know he will be an incredible leader for the City of San Marcos."
"As a lifelong educator and proud resident of San Marcos, I care deeply about the future of our city and the people who help shape it. That’s why I’m wholeheartedly supporting Justin Matsushita for City Council, District 2. He understands how cities work, how to get things done, and —most importantly—how to lead with compassion, collaboration, and common sense. Justin has spent his life protecting and serving others. I have no doubt he’ll bring that same dedication to serving the people of San Marcos."
"Justin is not just a candidate; he is a product of San Marcos. Raised and educated here, he has spent many years actively serving our community. Justin is a true expert in public safety, emergency management, and fiscal responsibility. This experience provides him with a level of expertise in public safety and city operations that is simply unprecedented in local city governance. On top of all this, he is simply a great guy with a great family."
"I've known Justin for over 25 years and I have witnessed firsthand his trustworthiness, compassion, and commitment to serving others. He's always led with honesty and his heart. I can't think of anyone better suited to serve our community as a member of the city council."
"Few candidates understand community service like Chief Matsushita. With decades of proven leadership, he's ready to tackle complex challenges, strengthen public safety, and always put the residents we serve first!"
"Chief Matsushita knows what it means to serve, sacrifice, and lead. I'm proud to call him a brother as a fellow firefighter. I know he will bring the same passion for community safety the City of San Marcos, just as he has done throughout the State of California."
"Justin is the obvious choice for our endorsement for city council. His life's work supporting working class men and women, and fighting for their pay and benefits, is why the SDICLC supports Justin for city council in 2026."
"As a business owner and friend for over 30 years Justin Matsushita has my full support running for city council, he has been a supporter for many years and is very passionate about the future of our city!"
"Having known Justin Matsushita for over 30 years, and his integrity, honesty, and strong leadership have always stood out. As a small business owner and friend, I’ve seen firsthand his commitment to doing what’s right and leading with both vision and heart. All qualities that make him an outstanding choice for City Council."
"A born and raised San Marcos local, a SMHS Alum and proud supporter of SMHS football that cares deeply for his community - Justin continues to help the youth of our community long after they stop wearing a helmet and shoulder pads. I have witnessed, firsthand, the work he does behind the scenes to ensure our youth have all the tools to guarantee success in adulthood; including connecting and supporting graduates with local EMT/Paramedic and entry level Fire programs in hopes of achieving a career in their desired field."
"I’ve known Justin since our time at Woodland Park Elementary School, and I’ve seen firsthand the way he shows up for his community—with dedication, honesty, and a genuine desire to make things better for the people around him. Justin is someone who leads by example and cares deeply about the long-term health and growth of San Marcos.
I know he would be an asset on the City Council—and someone who would represent the community with integrity and respect!"
Endorsed by
About Justin
My name is Justin Matsushita, and I’m running to represent District 2 on the San Marcos City Council. My family has called San Marcos home since 1959, when my Japanese-American grandparents rebuilt their lives here after World War II. Three generations later, my wife Rayna and I—both proud San Marcos High graduates—are raising our two sons in the same community that shaped us.
For more than 26 years, I’ve dedicated my life to public service. I began my career as a volunteer firefighter and went on to serve as Fire Chief, responding to some of California’s most challenging emergencies, including the Cedar and Witch Fires. Today, I continue that service as an educator at Miramar College and as President of the Emergency Management Section for the California Fire Chiefs Association—helping prepare the next generation of public safety leaders.
Education has always been a cornerstone of opportunity in my life. As the first in my family to earn a college degree, I understand both the value and the challenges of higher education. That’s why I helped launch Miramar’s Bachelor’s Degree in Public Safety Management, giving students access to an affordable, high-quality four-year degree close to home.
In San Marcos, I’ve worked to strengthen our community from the ground up—serving on local boards and committees, including The San Marcos Promise (now Project NEXT), where we opened Future Centers in every district high school. I also serve on the Measure Q Oversight Committee to ensure taxpayer dollars are used responsibly and transparently.
If elected, I’ll bring proven executive leadership, practical problem-solving, and a lifelong commitment to San Marcos. I’ve lived in every district, understand our neighborhoods, and know the importance of keeping our city safe, sustainable, and affordable for all families. With degrees from UC San Diego, San Diego State, and a Ph.D. from Oklahoma State, I’m ready to put my experience and dedication to work for our community.
San Marcos is more than my home—it’s where my story began.
Now, I’m ready to serve again and help shape the next chapter of our city’s future.
PROFESSIONAL & COMMUNITY ACCOMPLISHMENTS
PhD in Fire and Emergency Management Administration – Oklahoma State University
Measure Q Oversight Committee Member, ensuring accountability and transparency in local funding
President, California Fire Chiefs Association Emergency Management Section
Advisory Board Member, UC San Diego – Emergency Incident Management & Leadership Certificate Program
Obtained multiple grants through the San Diego Regional Fire Foundation and San Diego River Conservancy to purchase Type-3 and Type-6 wildland firefighting apparatus, expanding regional wildfire response capabilities
Implemented an improved EMS delivery model, resulting in faster response times for residents using the 911 system
Master’s in Public Administration – San Diego State University
Board Chair & Treasurer, The San Marcos Promise (Project Next), supporting youth career pathways
Assisted in developing the Bachelor of Science in Public Safety Management program at Miramar College
Secured $7.2 million in federal grant funding for wildfire mitigation, creating defensible space and removing hazardous fuels
Brought critical training opportunities to San Diego County through grant funding from the San Diego Urban Area Security Initiative, making advanced emergency management and preparedness courses accessible to all local public safety professionals
Mentor to students and young professionals pursuing careers in public safety and emergency management
STAND WITH JUSTIN!
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Paid for by: MATSUSHITA FOR CITY COUNCIL 2026 FPPC ID: 1483197