De la Cruz began his career as a sheetmetal worker and has since worked as a general manager. He served as a member of the Groton City Council from 2014 to 2016 and was also a member of the Groton Town Meeting. He was elected to the Connecticut House of Representatives in 2016 and assumed office in 2017. During his first legislative session, de la Cruz served as vice chairof the House Insurance and Real Estate Committee. De la Cruz did not seek reelection in 2023 citing his dissatisfaction with the salary offered to state representatives.