Steve Sanchez relocated to California from New Jersey, after enlisting in the United States Marine Corps, from 1996-2004. Steve served as an infantryman during Operation Iraqi Freedom and earned distinguished medals and ribbons such as: Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, and many more. Upon the end of his 8-year enlistment in 2004, Steve decided to make the Coachella Valley his home.

After receiving an honorable discharge from the Marine Corps Steve's civilian career started in telecommunication; district director for a state legislator; account executive for a group of radio stations and billboard company; and currently as a commercial real estate agent representing buyers and seller on multi-family and hospitality investments. Steve's goal is to try to sell every apartment in the Coachella Valley at least once; local investors, agents, and friends refer to Steve as "The Apartment Guy."

Steve was elected to the La Quinta City Council in 2016; former Big Brother and Board Member with the Big Brother and Big Sisters of the Desert; Board Member for Leadership Coachella Valley; Former Board Member of the La Quinta Chamber of Commerce, and past Chairman of the Indio Chamber of Commerce.

Steve is also the former Chairman for the La Quinta Housing Authority; Chairman for Riverside County Riverside Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO); Executive Committee for the League of CA Cities Riverside County Division; and a member of other boards and committees.

When Steve isn’t working or volunteering his time, you’ll see him at the gym at 5 Am (some Marine Corps habits don’t fade away); on run with his two dogs, a Chocolate Lab (Valentina) and a German Shepard (Sparta); studying history and the U.S. Constitution, or just enjoying a nice glass of wine with friends. Speaking of wine, Steve has his WSET 1 certification.