Chris Holden Explained

Chris Holden
Office:Majority Leader of the California Assembly
Predecessor:V. Manuel Perez
Successor:Ian Calderon
State Assembly2:California
District2:41st
Predecessor2:Julia Brownley (redistricted)
Order3:53rd
Office3:Mayor of Pasadena
Predecessor3:Bill Paparian
Successor3:Bill Bogaard
Birth Date:July 19, 1960
Birth Place:Pasadena, California, U.S.
Residence:Pasadena, California, U.S.
Party:Democratic
Parents:Nate Holden (Father)
Spouse:Melanie Holden
Children:5
Alma Mater:San Diego State University
Profession:Small businessman

Christopher R. Holden (born July 19, 1960) is an American politician serving in the California State Assembly. He is a Democrat representing the 41st Assembly District, which encompasses the northern San Gabriel Valley, and is centered in Pasadena.[1]

He is a member of the California Legislative Black Caucus.[2] Prior to his election to the assembly in 2012, Holden was a mayor and City Councilmember in Pasadena. He is the son of longtime Los Angeles politician Nate Holden. Holden currently serves as chairman of the Appropriations Committee,[3] the most powerful position after speaker.

History

Before he was elected to the assembly, Holden was a member of the Pasadena City Council, and a former mayor of the city, serving from 1997 to 1999.[4] Holden is the second longest-serving city council member in the city's history, having served since 1989.

Holden is an alumnus of Pasadena High School and San Diego State University. He first ran for seat 3 of the Pasadena City Council in 1985 but lost narrowly to incumbent Loretta Thompson-Glickman. He was elected four years later and was appointed mayor in 1997. During his term, the city charter was revised to allow for open election of the mayor. However, in the first citywide mayoral election, Holden was defeated by former Councilmember and former Pasadena mayor Bill Bogaard.

Holden previously served as the assembly majority floor leader.

Holden is a member of the California Legislative Progressive Caucus.[5]

Legislation

In his first term, Holden introduced legislation to require California schools to teach about the significance of the Barack Obama presidency.[6] He introduced legislation to tackle the problem of grease thievery at restaurants.[7] He also introduced legislation to study and foster economic development and job creation.[8]

Holden also has been a leader in the legislation to address California's wildfire crisis. He passed into law successful legislation on the topic, and was a lead negotiator during the process.[9]

External links

Notes and References

  1. 41st District formerly covered the Santa Monica Mountains and adjacent valleys/communities, pre—2010 census and redistricting.
  2. Web site: California Lawmaker Calling for Florida Boycott.
  3. Web site: Welcome to Committee on Appropriations . California State Assembly .
  4. 26 May 1997. Politics, Family Style. 27 February 2011. Jet.
  5. Web site: Legislative Progressive Caucus . assembly.ca.gov . California State Assembly . 11 April 2024.
  6. Web site: Calif. Schools To Teach Students About 'Significance' Of Obama Presidency.
  7. Web site: Bill tackles odd crime of grease thievery from restaurants.
  8. Web site: New Assemblyman Chris Holden Introduces First Bill. 4 December 2012.
  9. Web site: Holden's Wildfire Legislation Signed into Law.