Alejandro "Alex" Mendoza (born April 25, 1977) is an American former Marine, owner of a lawn care business and democratic socialist politician from Dallas, Texas, who was the vice presidential nominee of Socialist Party USA in the 2012 elections. Mendoza, of Texas, ran with Stewart Alexander of California for president. Mendoza is currently serving as the State Chair for the Socialist Party of Texas. Mendoza was born in Riverside, California to parents who emigrated from Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico. Mendoza graduated from Palm Springs High School in 1995. Shortly after graduation, Mendoza joined the United States Marine Corps, and served with the 5th Marine Regiment for four years. Mendoza moved to Texas shortly after leaving the corps. Mendoza has spent the previous years working in the Information Technology field and has worked all over the world (Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, England, and Argentina). Mendoza is now an independent business owner of a local sustainable lawn care business. References 1977 births Living people Businesspeople from Texas People from Fort Worth, Texas Socialist Party USA vice presidential nominees Texas socialists United States Marines University of Texas at Dallas alumni 2012 United States vice-presidential candidates 21st-century American politicians People from Riverside, California American politicians of Mexican descent Palm Springs High School people