Chris Holden Announces Reelection Bid For California State Assembly

Chris Holden, a State Assemblymember from Pasadena, announced his bid for reelection serving California’s 41st Assembly district. Holden, a Democrat, was first elected to the seat in 2012.

“I am fully committed to pursuing commonsense solutions that improve our economy, create jobs and strengthen the vitality of the Foothill Communities, Holden said.

“California has made great progress in recent years, but we must do more to help small businesses grow, aid job seekers and improve our public schools and colleges,” Holden added.

As a first term member of the State Assembly, Holden authored and led the passage of several bills, including legislation to make the state’s small business loan guarantee program more accessible, and expanding innovation hubs throughout the state to spur new business start-ups. He also helped move legislation ensuring that a 710 freeway surface route in the region is no longer an option. 

Holden was also a strong proponent of Middle Class Scholarships legislation that will reduce fees at California’s UCs and CSUs by up to 40 percent for middle-class families.

A lifelong resident of Pasadena, Holden entered public service as a member of the Pasadena City Council, and in 1997 was elected the city’s Mayor. He was instrumental in expanding the Metro Gold Line connecting the region to Los Angeles, and headed the task force that led to the creation of Paseo Colorado and reconnected the historic civic center and new convention center, a key project in the revitalization of downtown Pasadena.

Holden launched his Assembly campaign with a strong start, receiving the unanimous support of the 41st district delegates to the California Democratic Party, who voted at the party’s pre-endorsement conference earlier this month.

The 41st Assembly District includes Altadena, Claremont, La Verne, Monrovia, Pasadena, San Dimas, Sierra Madre, South Pasadena, Rancho Cucamonga and Upland.

—Assemblyman Chris Holden released this announcement on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2014.