Evan Low Announces Historic Campaign for Congress in California’s 16th District

Low would be the first openly LGBTQ member of Congress to represent the Bay Area

Today, Assemblymember Evan Low announced his much-anticipated run for Congress in California’s 16th Congressional District, the heart of Silicon Valley and global innovation. Evan has represented the Silicon Valley in the California State Assembly since 2014 when he became the youngest Asian American legislator in the body’s history. He previously served as councilmember and mayor of the city of Campbell. His courageous leadership and record of delivering results has earned him the endorsement of leading members of Congress, including neighboring Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17), as well as Reps. Judy Chu (CA-28) and Mark Takano (CA-39).

“Throughout my time in public service, I have defended the most vulnerable and built coalitions to deliver solutions to the big challenges of our time,” said Assemblymember Evan Low. “Now I’m running for Congress at an inflection point for Silicon Valley and the nation. Our region needs a representative that will lead on maintaining our global competitiveness, combat hate
and stand up for the vulnerable, protect reproductive freedom, prioritize reducing crime in our communities and ensure that the middle class can once again afford to buy a house and raise a
family where they work. Together, we will usher in a new era of courageous leadership for Silicon Valley. That’s why I’m excited to announce my candidacy and why I’m confident this community will continue to rally behind our campaign.”

“I’m proud to endorse Evan Low’s forward-looking campaign for Congress,” said Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17). “Evan was born and raised here in the Silicon Valley, and he’s dedicated his career to serving the diverse families that call it home. In the Assembly, he’s been at the forefront of bridging the gap between technology, innovation, and public policy, building a greener economy, and fighting for fundamental human rights. I know Evan will make a great partner in Congress.”

BIOGRAPHY

Evan Low is a fourth-generation Californian, born and raised in Silicon Valley. The son of an optometrist and leader of the local Chamber of Commerce, Evan was taught the importance of civic engagement and love for his community from a young age. He attended great public schools in Silicon Valley and stayed local, earning degrees from De Anza College and San Jose State University.
As in so many Asian American families, Evan and his brother were encouraged to become doctors, lawyers or engineers — but the pull towards public service was too strong for both of them. Evan saw local government as the way to give back to his community and his brother Ryan became a police officer.

Symbolizing a new generation of leadership and diverse representation, Evan broke barriers in 2006 as the first Asian American, openly gay, and one of the youngest people ever elected to Campbell City Council. His trailblazing continued in 2009 when he became the youngest Asian American and youngest LGBTQ Mayor in the nation.

In 2014, Evan’s dedication to improving lives and delivering results led him to the California Assembly where he marked another milestone as the youngest Asian American legislator in the body’s history. In 2015, he founded and chaired the nation’s first-ever bipartisan Technology and Innovation Caucus to modernize the state government’s approach to a rapidly changing economy.

Throughout his time in the Assembly, Evan has brought diverse coalitions together to deliver results on the biggest issues of our time, maintaining Silicon Valley’s global competitiveness,
leading the fight on climate change, and lowering costs for middle-class families struggling to live and raise a family in California.

As past Chair of the LGBTQ+ Legislative Caucus, Evan led the charge on marriage equality and expanded civil rights here and across the country. Through his leadership of the Asian American & Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus, Evan has been a powerful bulwark against the rapid rise in anti-Asian hate fueled by the xenophobia and nativism of the Trump presidency.

Recognized for his impact, Evan was named one of the “Top 25 People Who Will Change Silicon Valley” by the Silicon Valley Metro Newspaper, California’s “Most Prolific Lawmaker” by the Sacramento Bee and “Legislator of the Year” from leading tech publications, labor unions, healthcare advocates and law enforcement