Patrick Ahrens

Patrick Ahrens was born in San Jose, California. He earned an associate degree from De Anza College in 2009, a bachelor's degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, in 2011, and a graduate degree from San Jose State University in 2023. His career experience includes working as a district director.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I was born here in the district and I am a lifelong resident. I am a local leader who applies Silicon Valley's spirit of innovation and problem-solving to challenging issues. As the Foothill-De Anza College Board President, that meant developing a first-of-its-kind health clinic with Santa Clara County and securing $200 million in affordable housing for our students, faculty, and staff. In the Assembly, I'll champion new ideas for old problems like housing, homelessness, climate change, and public safety.

I grew up in a house where my parents abused drugs. I was homeless for parts of my college years. And I watched as my brother was forced to work to maintain his health insurance while dying of cancer. I have personal experience with what ails us as a people. I am a better leader for it. I'll apply my lived experiences to educate others and speed the adoption of policies that work to reduce homelessness, drug abuse, and improve healthcare.

As College Board President and District Director in the Assembly, I've made government work better for our community by bringing funding and resources to support local initiatives and infrastructure projects. As a graduate of De Anza College, UCLA, and SJSU's Masters Program, I value public education. I will champion our schools. That's why Assemblymember Evan Low and over 100 small businesses, teachers, nurses, and community leaders support me.

Reach me on my cell at 408-482-7383 with questions or feedback.

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?

Climate Action: Implement and advocate for comprehensive climate legislation, emphasizing renewable energy adoption, resilient infrastructure, and equitable policies addressing environmental justice.Affordable Housing: Champion initiatives to increase affordable housing, drawing on successful models from the college board, and collaborating with local municipalities for inclusive solutions.Public Health: Prioritize public health by enhancing healthcare resilience, allocating resources for emergency preparedness, and addressing mental health needs exacerbated by climate-related stressors.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

My interest in public policy stems from my lived experiences: Increasing affordability in housing and homelessness, healthcare, education, public safety, and substance abuse and mental health treatment.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Throughout my work in the State Assembly and in the Foothill-De Anza Community College District, I have prioritized building relationships and maintaining open communication because policymaking requires coalition building. As a policymaker, to stay rooted in the community and be responsive to the community’s needs and concerns, I would remain accessible and maintain a line of open communication with my constituents.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

To be an effective policymaker, I believe it is important to nurture compassion and empathy so that I can understand differing perspectives and build connections with constituents of differing backgrounds and perspectives. While I know I have certain lived experiences, such as having experienced food and housing insecurity, that have helped develop my compassion and empathy for others, I respect and value the perspectives and lived experiences of others and do my best to understand where they are coming from, so that I can be an effective ally for women, LGBTQ+ people, and members of underserved communities in the district.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Planned Parenthood Advocates Mar Monte

Equality California

Mike Honda, Former Congressmember

Anna Eshoo, Congressmember, District 16

Evan Low, State Assemblymember, District 26

Gail Pellerin, State Assemblymember, District 28

Marc Berman, State Assemblymember, District 23

Sheila Mohan, Cupertino Mayor

Lisa Gillmor, Santa Clara Mayor

Larry Klein, Sunnyvale Mayor

Rosemary Kamei, San José Vice Mayor, District 1

Sergio Jimenez, San José City Councilmember, District 2

Domingo Candelas, San José City Councilmember, District 8

Omar Torres, San José City Councilmember, District 3

Bob Jonsen, County Sheriff

Jeff Rosen, County District Attorney

Susan Ellenberg, Board of Supervisors President

Cindy Chavez, County Supervisor