Patrick AhrensIncumbent
Candidate for Assembly District 26
Patrick Ahrens is the Democratic incumbent for California's 26th Assembly District. The district covers Cupertino, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, West San Jose, and Alviso. He was elected in November 2024. He beat fellow Democrat Tara Sreekrishnan. He was sworn in on December 2, 2024. Ahrens is a native of San Jose. He holds an associate degree from De Anza College. He also holds a bachelor's degree in political science from UCLA. He earned a Master of Public Administration from San Jose State University. Before his election, he worked as district director for then-Assemblymember Evan Low. He also worked for U.S. Representative Janice Hahn. In 2014 he served as field director and campaign manager for a San Jose City Council campaign. From 2018 to 2024 he served on the Foothill-De Anza Community College District Board of Trustees. He became board president in December 2021. In that role, he says he helped build a campus community health center. He also helped pass a housing bond for students, staff, and faculty. Ahrens has spoken publicly about growing up in a home affected by his parents' drug addiction. He also spent time in foster care. He says he was homeless during college. As an Assemblymember, he has written several bills. AB 461 ends truancy as a crime. AB 243 expands college access for foster and juvenile-justice youth. AB 1831 limits CSU executive pay. AB 1326 protects the right to wear a mask in public. Born September 12, 1989, per Wikipedia. Home: Cupertino, in Silicon Valley. He is a San Jose native. His district office is in Cupertino. Occupation: State Assemblymember. This is a full-time elected job. He was previously district director for Assemblymember Evan Low. Prior office / incumbency: Incumbent since December 2024. He represents Assembly District 26. He previously served on the Foothill-De Anza Community College District Board of Trustees. He served from 2018 to 2024. He was board president from 2021 to 2024.
On the issues
- Housing & Homelessness
Supports expanding affordable housing supply through proactive local and institutional initiatives, and favors comprehensive homelessness solutions combining permanent housing, mental health services, and drug treatment.
Source → - Criminal Justice & Courts
Supported decriminalizing parental truancy penalties and reducing barriers so youth involved in the juvenile justice or child welfare systems can access higher education.
Source → - Health & Health Care
Supports expanding mental health services, especially for vulnerable and homeless populations, and championed development of a community health center while on the college board.
Source → - Reproductive & Social Issues
Opposes restrictions on reproductive health care access.
Source → - Education & Schools
Prioritizes public school funding, reducing barriers to higher education for at-risk youth, and increasing accountability over CSU administrative spending.
Source → - Family & Social Services
Supports continued and expanded federal Head Start funding for early childhood services.
Source → - Environment, Energy & Climate
Supports renewable energy adoption and environmental policies framed around equity.
Source →
Profiles are compiled from the candidate’s own statements and public records. We never tell you how to vote.