Josh Becker

Josh Becker is an American politician currently serving as a member of the California State Senate, representing the 13th Senate District. He is affiliated with the Democratic Party and has been in office since December 2020. Becker's district encompasses a significant portion of San Mateo County and a part of Santa Clara County. Before his election to the State Senate, he held various leadership roles in community organizations and the private sector, including founding a nonprofit organization and serving as CEO of a legal technology company. He is also involved in legislative efforts related to climate action and public health.

Early life and career

Josh Becker was born on April 13, 1969. He pursued higher education at Williams College and later attended Stanford University, where he earned a JD–MBA degree in 1999. During his time at Stanford, Becker co-founded the Stanford Board Fellows program, which aimed to train students for service in local nonprofit organizations and to promote social progress. This initiative reflects his early commitment to community engagement and public service.

Following his graduation, Becker established the Full Circle community organization, which focuses on funding nonprofit initiatives and supporting policy innovations in various sectors, including economic opportunity, education, environmental sustainability, and health. His work with Full Circle highlights his dedication to addressing community needs through collaborative efforts.

In addition to his nonprofit work, Becker was appointed by California Governor Jerry Brown to the California State Workforce Development Board and the Child Care Partnership Council in San Mateo County. He served in these roles for seven years, contributing to workforce development and child care policy in the region. The experience gained from these positions likely informed his later legislative priorities.

Becker's personal experiences also influenced his career trajectory. After the death of his father from brain cancer, he founded a biotech company focused on cancer cure research, demonstrating his commitment to health-related issues. He also established New Cycle Capital, a venture capital firm that invests in sustainable technologies. In 2011, Becker joined Lex Machina, a legal analytics company, where he served as CEO and helped elevate the company to national prominence within the legal technology sector. In 2020, he launched a legal tech accelerator aimed at supporting innovators in legal and public policy systems.

Legislative service

Becker was elected to the California State Senate in the 2020 California State Senate election, succeeding Jerry Hill, who was termed out of office. He was sworn into office on December 7, 2020. As a member of the Senate, Becker has appointed Bryan King as his chief of staff and Nicole Fernandez as his district director, indicating a focus on building a strong team to support his legislative initiatives.

During his tenure in the Senate, Becker has been active in addressing various issues, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. He advocated for prioritizing teachers, early childhood educators, and child care providers for early access to COVID-19 vaccinations, following the vaccination of health care workers and vulnerable seniors. This focus on public health and education underscores his commitment to supporting essential workers during a critical time.

Becker is also a member of the Senate Climate Workgroup, where he has authored several climate action bills. His legislative efforts include proposals aimed at increasing transparency in energy sourcing by requiring more frequent reporting from electricity providers. He has also worked on establishing an earlier net zero goal for state agencies and has introduced legislation to facilitate the electrification of various sectors. These initiatives reflect his dedication to addressing climate change and promoting sustainable practices within California.

Policy focus and district

As a state senator, Becker represents the 13th Senate District, which includes most of San Mateo County and a portion of Santa Clara County. This district is characterized by a diverse population and a range of urban and suburban communities. Becker's policy focus aligns with the needs and interests of his constituents, particularly in areas such as education, public health, and environmental sustainability.

Becker's involvement in the California Legislative Jewish Caucus as vice chair indicates his engagement with issues relevant to the Jewish community and broader social justice concerns. His legislative priorities often reflect a commitment to inclusivity and community well-being.

In addition to his current role in the State Senate, Becker has expressed interest in potentially running for the United States House of Representatives following the retirement of Congresswoman Anna Eshoo. On December 6, 2023, he announced his intention to seek reelection to the state Senate, indicating his ongoing commitment to serving his constituents at the state level.

Overall, Becker's career has been marked by a blend of public service, community engagement, and leadership in both nonprofit and private sectors. His legislative work continues to focus on critical issues facing California, particularly in the realms of climate action, public health, and education, as he seeks to address the needs of the communities he represents.