Evan Low

Evan Low is a former American politician who served as a member of the California State Assembly from 2014 to 2024. A member of the Democratic Party, he represented California's 26th Assembly district, which includes parts of Silicon Valley, such as Cupertino, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, and sections of northern and western San Jose. Throughout his legislative career, Low was involved in various leadership roles and caucuses, focusing on issues pertinent to his constituents and the broader California community.

Early life and career

Evan Low was born on June 5, 1983, in San Jose, California. He is the son of Arthur Low, an optometrist of Chinese American descent. Growing up in San Jose, Low attended Leland High School before moving to neighboring Campbell in 2003. He pursued higher education at De Anza College in Cupertino, where he earned an associate's degree, followed by a bachelor's degree in political science from San Jose State University.

Low's political career began at the local level. In 2004, he made his first attempt to secure a seat on the Campbell City Council but was unsuccessful. Undeterred, he ran again in 2006 and won, marking the beginning of his public service in local government. During his tenure on the council, he was appointed as a senior district representative for the former 28th State Assembly district, serving under Assemblymember Paul Fong. His leadership qualities were recognized by his peers, and in 2009, he was selected to serve as the mayor of Campbell, becoming the youngest openly gay, Asian American mayor in the nation at that time. He was re-elected as mayor in 2013, further solidifying his influence in local politics. His term on the Campbell City Council concluded in 2014.

Legislative service

Evan Low was elected to the California State Assembly in 2014, representing the 26th Assembly district. Upon taking office, he was appointed as the Assistant Majority Whip by Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins, a position he retained under Atkins's successor, Speaker Anthony Rendon, in 2016. His leadership capabilities were further demonstrated when he chaired the California Assembly Business and Professions Committee from March 2016 until November 2021, when he was removed from this role without public explanation.

During his time in the Assembly, Low was a co-founder and co-chair of the California Legislative Tech Caucus, which comprises 24 members and focuses on technology-related legislative issues. His legislative efforts included a range of bills and initiatives that addressed social justice, civil rights, and technology policy. In 2014, he supported an initiative aimed at repealing California Proposition 209, which prohibited the consideration of race and ethnicity in public university admissions and other programs. This effort continued with his support for similar measures in subsequent years, including ACA 5 and Proposition 16 in 2020, as well as ACA 7 in 2023.

In 2016, Low introduced AB 1887, which sought to ban state-funded travel to states that enacted discriminatory laws based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. This legislation received support from prominent figures, including U.S. House of Representatives Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi. Additionally, Low was recognized for his prolific legislative activity, having the most bills signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown during the 2017–2018 session.

One of his notable legislative achievements was the introduction of AB-57 in 2019, which allowed candidates with birth names in character-based languages to use those names on translated ballots. This legislation aimed to enhance inclusivity in the electoral process for candidates from diverse linguistic backgrounds. The bill was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom and took effect in 2020.

In 2023, Low faced challenges when language he had added to legislation was removed from California law due to constitutional concerns. A judge ruled against the enforcement of certain provisions related to anti-misinformation, impacting the legal landscape for medical professionals in the state.

Policy focus and district

Throughout his legislative career, Evan Low focused on a variety of policy areas that reflected the needs and interests of his constituents in California's 26th Assembly district. His representation of Silicon Valley, a hub for technology and innovation, influenced his work on tech-related issues. Low's involvement in the California Legislative Tech Caucus underscored his commitment to addressing the intersection of technology and public policy.

Low's advocacy for civil rights and social justice was evident in his support for measures aimed at promoting inclusivity and equality. His efforts to repeal Proposition 209 and support affirmative action initiatives demonstrated his dedication to addressing systemic inequalities in education and employment. Additionally, his introduction of legislation banning state-funded travel to discriminatory states highlighted his commitment to protecting the rights of marginalized communities.

In 2023, Low announced his candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives, seeking to succeed retiring incumbent Anna Eshoo in California's 16th congressional district. His campaign was marked by a competitive primary, where he and fellow candidate Joe Simitian engaged in a closely contested race. Despite the challenges, Low's experience in the California State Assembly and his established presence in local politics positioned him as a significant contender for the congressional seat.

Evan Low's legislative career reflects a commitment to public service, advocacy for civil rights, and a focus on the evolving needs of his constituents in a rapidly changing political landscape. His tenure in the California State Assembly has left a lasting impact on the state's legislative framework, particularly in areas related to technology, social justice, and inclusivity.