He left his seat in 2004 to make an unsuccessful run for the California State Senate.
Diaz served as a member of the a San Jose City Council from 1995 to 2000 prior to joining the Assembly.
Diaz graduated from San Francisco State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering.
[1] Diaz worked as an engineer for 17 years prior to entering politics, including at the Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
[2][3] Diaz ran for the 13th Senate District seat in 2004, as incumbent John Vasconcellos was unable to seek re-election due to term limits.