Carlos grew up in Anaheim and is a proud son of Mexican immigrants. His parents came to the United States with the promise of opportunity and the hope of securing a better future for their family. His mother, Maria, who studied medicine in Mexico, paused her career to raise Carlos. His father, Carlos Leon Sr., began his career as a welder, became a deputy building inspector, and was a proud member of Operating Engineers Local 12. 

​

Carlos is a product of Anaheim public schools: Mattie Lou Maxwell Elementary, Dale Junior High, and Magnolia High School. He served as student council president in elementary school, where he was also part of the Anaheim Achieves program and has proudly served as a volunteer for the city of Anaheim and its Tree Power program and at St. Justin Martyr Catholic Church. Carlos also served as a student ambassador for the Anaheim Union High School District and was a student of the Tiger Woods Learning Center. 

​

A proud supporter of the performing arts, Carlos served as Drum Major for the Magnolia Sentinel Band as well as the Santa Ana Winds Youth Band, marching in local parades such as the Loara Band Review and the Hollywood Christmas parade. 

​

Carlos has extensive experience in the private sector specializing in sales and marketing for the information management industry and serves as a board member and volunteer for various nonprofit and philanthropic organizations in Orange County. Carlos has helped in the front lines during the pandemic, volunteering at, and organizing vaccine clinics as well as delivering vital resources for the community. 

​

He holds a degree in Public Policy and Political Science from the University of California, San Diego and a minor in Business from the Rady School of Management.