Chris Kluwe

Chris Kluwe (Democratic Party) is running for election to the California State Assembly to represent District 72. He is on the ballot in the general election on November 3, 2026. He advanced from the primary on June 2, 2026.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m a former professional athlete, small businessman, football coach, and longtime civil rights advocate who has dedicated my career to standing up for fairness and workers’ rights—both on and off the field. Growing up in Seal Beach, I was a scholar athlete who attended local public schools before earning my bachelor’s with a double major in History and Political Science from UCLA and beginning my career in the NFL.

Since retiring from the NFL, I’ve continued to stand up for people and get involved in my community as a coach, volunteer, and writer—speaking out for equality, transparency, and accountability in government. I’ve volunteered at Shipley Nature Center, mentored youth athletes, and consistently used my voice to speak out for others, even when it may seem difficult or get me in trouble, including losing my job.

I’m tired of “exciting government.” I miss the days when policymaking was about solving problems, not driven by extreme political agendas. I’m running to help restore some sanity and deliver real results that put people first, so government works for everyone, not just the wealthy or well-connected, and working families have opportunity to get ahead.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I'm not another Sacramento politician and I'm fed up with politics as usual. I'm running for Assembly to ensure government actually works for everyone, not just the few.The rising cost of housing, healthcare, groceries, and utilities demands urgent and effective action. There are more people in need of quality housing than what is accessible to them. We simply have not built enough homes for decades, especially near jobs, schools, and transit, and working families are paying the price. I believe we can move faster on housing by increasing the supply, lowering costs, and supporting good-paying local jobs – all without sacrificing the workforce standards that keep our middle class strong or decimating the environmental safeguards that protect our communities.AI is a threat to jobs and while it might benefit efficiency sometimes, it should not result in job loss or environment damage. I'm not against AI that works, but it cannot come at the expense of human lives or public safety. We need to make sure that any AI implementation, whether public or private, is putting human beings first.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Tackling the affordability crisis, expanding access to quality housing, fighting the climate crisis, strengthening public education, defending our freedoms and civil rights.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

California Federation of Labor, LA/OC Building Trades, National Union of Healthcare Workers, Orange County Employees Associaton, LiUNA Laborers 652, Veterans Alliance of Orange County, Climate Action California, Operating Engineers Local 12, California Teachers Association, SEIU California, Congressman Dave Min, Congressman Derek Tran, Senator (Ret. Colonel) Tom Umberg,