THOMPSON HONORS BERNIE NARVAEZ AS THE 2026 NAPA COUNTY AMERICAN DREAM AWARD RECIPIENT

Napa, CA - Sunday, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) recognized Bernie Narvaez as the 2026 American Dream Award recipient for Napa County. Thompson presents the American Dream Award to residents of California's Fourth District who have come to the United States and made outstanding contributions to our communities.

"Immigrants are our neighbors and colleagues, soldiers and first responders, doctors and lawyers, farmers, entrepreneurs, teachers and so much more. Our nation would not be the powerhouse of the world without their contributions to our country's history, culture, and economy. This is evidenced by Bernie's work in our community.
"Through his work as a city councilmember and small business owner, Bernie has contributed meaningfully to making our community a better place. I am honored to recognize him as this year's Napa County American Dream Award recipient," said Thompson.
Mr. Narvaez was born in Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico. He immigrated to the United States with his family in 1990 and grew up in poverty. After the September 11 attacks, Mr. Narvaez enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, served honorably for six years, and is a veteran of the Iraq War.

After his honorable service from the Marine Corps, Mr. Narvaez began working in insurance and risk management, founding Narvaez Insurance Services with his father. They have served more than 4,000 families and small businesses. He built on this experience as the Co-Chair of the Rotary Fire Relief, offering funds to small business owners affected by the Napa fires. Mr. Narvaez currently serves as the City Councilmember for Napa's District 4 and Vice-Chair of the Napa County Climate Action Committee.

Mr. Narvaez is widely respected for his tireless work ethic and deep sense of responsibility to our Napa community. His career has been defined by dedication and integrity, evident by his many leadership roles including Napa Sunrise Rotarian, Government Affairs Director with Napa County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Commandant of Napa Marine Corps League, NVTA Board of Directors, and Member of Napa County Veteran Commission.

Mr. Narvaez's advocacy for the Latino community is deeply rooted in his heritage. Mr. Narvaez served an active role in launching the Napa County Hispanic Foundation to support young Latino leaders through training and mentorship.

Congressman Mike Thompson's American Dream Award honors immigrants who have excelled professionally in entrepreneurship and innovation, in the arts and culture, or in community service.

The full list of 2026 American Dream Award recipients for California's Fourth District includes:

• Dirk Slooten, Lake County
• Bernie Narvaez, Napa County
• Israel "Joe" Guzman, Solano County
• Grace Cheung-Schulman, Sonoma County
• Sylvina Frausto, Yolo County