Demers grew up in a large Catholic family, raised by parents who worked in the sciences and instilled discipline, curiosity, and respect for hard work. His grandfathers built small businesses in the twentieth century that prospered after World War II but later struggled as markets changed. Watching those enterprises rise and fall taught him early how national economic forces ripple through local communities.

His childhood was also marked by hardship. When Demers was twelve, his older brother suffered a devastating brain injury and lived in long-term care before passing away. The emotional and financial toll on his family left a lasting mark and shaped his belief that access to affordable, humane healthcare is not abstract policy. It is something American families urgently need now.

Drawn to public service, Demers studied international relations and began his career with the National Endowment for Democracy, supporting reformers in authoritarian countries and fragile political systems. He went on to law school to pursue human rights work and help migrant populations, which included an externship in South Africa assisting with refugee challenges.

After graduating, Demers worked in post war Liberia delivering legal aid to help restore legal protections. He then worked in Afghanistan, strengthening their legal system so the country could govern itself while better protecting human rights. This transitioned into his public service with the United States Agency for International Development, where he worked closely with the US military, other federal agencies, and foreign governments. The experience taught him that real reform depends on balancing economic incentives, politics, and human relationships, not slogans or wishful thinking.

While in Washington, Demers met his wife, Tristia Bauman, a civil rights attorney, and together they have a son, Bronson. Becoming a parent focused him on the kind of country he wanted to leave the next generation. The family moved to the South Bay, where Demers led sustainability efforts at technology companies. His work meant protecting workers in global supply chains, decreasing environmental footprints, and strengthening corporate codes of conduct, including responsible uses of technology. He has seen firsthand that companies can grow, hire, and compete while doing right by their employees and the planet.

At home, Demers is rooted in community life. He coaches youth basketball, is active with the Gilroy Rotary, and has served on volunteer commissions in both Gilroy and San Jose. He speaks often about his love for the South Bay hills and the majestic Central Coast, and the farmland that defines the region and makes it an endearing place to raise a family.