Wikipedia

Evan Low

Evan Low (born June 5, 1983) is an American politician who served in the California State Assembly from 2014 to 2024.[1] A member of the Democratic Party, he represented the 26th Assembly district, which encompasses parts of Silicon Valley, including Cupertino, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara and portions of northern and western San Jose. He was a member of the California Legislative LGBT Caucus (and served as chair from 2017 to 2018 and 2021 to 2022), and served as Chair of the California Asian American & Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus.

Evan Low
Low in 2016
Member of the California State Assembly
In office
December 1, 2014 – November 30, 2024
Preceded byPaul Fong
Succeeded byPatrick Ahrens
Constituency28th district (2014–2022)
26th district (2022–2024)
Mayor of Campbell
In office
December 1, 2009 – December 1, 2014
Preceded byMichael Kotowski
Succeeded byJeff Cristina
Personal details
Born (1983-06-05) June 5, 1983 (age 41)
San Jose, California, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
EducationDe Anza College (AA)
San Jose State University (BA)

Prior to his election in the Assembly in 2014, Low served as Mayor and City Councilmember in Campbell, California. On January 15, 2020, Low was named national co-chair of Andrew Yang's presidential campaign.[2] He was a candidate in the 2024 election to succeed Anna Eshoo as the U.S. Representative from California's 16th congressional district, losing to Sam Liccardo in the general election.

Early life

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Low was born in San Jose, California, on June 5, 1983, to Chinese American optometrist Arthur Low. Low grew up in San Jose and attended Leland High School. In 2003, Low moved to neighboring Campbell.[3][4][5]

Low earned an associate's degree from De Anza College in Cupertino, and a bachelor's degree in political science from San Jose State University.[4][5]

Campbell City Council

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In 2004, Low unsuccessfully ran for a seat on the City Council, but he ran again in 2006 and won in his second attempt. Low worked as a senior district representative for California's former 28th State Assembly district Assemblymember Paul Fong.[3][4]

When his colleagues selected him to become Campbell mayor in 2009, Low became the youngest openly gay, Asian American mayor in the nation.[6]

In 2013, his colleagues on the Campbell City Council selected him to serve as mayor for a second time.[7] His term on the council expired in 2014.

California Assembly

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In 2014, Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins appointed Low as Assistant Majority Whip.[8] Low was kept in the same leadership role by Atkins's successor, Speaker Anthony Rendon, in 2016.[9]

Low chaired the California Assembly Business and Professions Committee from March 2016 until November 2021, when he was removed without explanation by Speaker Anthony Rendon. Low was replaced by Marc Berman.[10][11]

Low is a co-founder and co-chair of the California Legislative Tech Caucus.[12] There are 24 members of the Tech Caucus.[13]

In 2014, Low supported SCA 5, an initiative that would have asked voters to consider eliminating California Proposition 209's ban on the use of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin in recruitment, admissions, and retention programs at California's public universities and colleges.[14] Proposition 209 also effectively banned affirmative action in the public contracting and employment. Low supported a similar effort to repeal Prop 209 in its entirety with ACA 5 and Proposition 16 in 2020.[15] In 2023, Low also supported ACA 7, a narrower effort "that would allow state agencies to consider race if academic research shows evidence those race-based programs could work."[16][17]

In 2016, Low introduced AB 1887 that would ban all California state-funded travel to states that enacted laws to discriminate against individuals based upon sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression, that was supported by U.S. House of Representatives Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi.[12] The California state-funded travel ban was replaced in 2023 with an advertising campaign.[18]

In 2016, New York Magazine identified Low as a potential United States presidential candidate in 2024 along with nine other young Democrats who, like Obama, have unusual ambition.[19]

In the 2017–2018 session, The Sacramento Bee identified Low as California's most prolific lawmaker, where he had the most bills signed by any member of the state legislature by Governor Jerry Brown.[20] He has also been credited with driving the future of Uber and Lyft in the California State Legislature.[21]

In 2019, Low introduced AB-57, which would allow candidates with birth names in character-based languages—such as Chinese, Japanese, and Korean—to use those names in voter requested translated ballots. Previously, candidates such as Fiona Ma have had transliterated versions of their name (e.g. Fei O Na Ma) appear on translated ballots. The bill also required candidates without character based birth names to phonetically translate their names on translated ballots, unless they prove that they are known under a different name within the target community. AB-57 was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom in July 2019 and went into effect in 2020.[22]

In 2023 in SB 815, language added by Low in AB 2098, was removed from California Law due to concerns it was unconstitutional being tested in Court. Judge William B. Shubb prevented any doctors from being punished during the one year the "anti-misinformation" language was on the books.[23]

In 2023, Low announced that he would be running for Congress in California's 16th congressional district.[24] It is currently represented by Representative Anna Eshoo, who announced that she would be retiring after the 2024 election.

2024 U.S. House of Representatives election

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See also: 2024 California's 16th congressional district election

In December 2023, Low announced his intention to run for California's 16th congressional district, which was held by retiring incumbent Anna Eshoo.[25] After the primary in March 2024, Low and Santa Clara County supervisor Joe Simitian repeatedly traded the second-place position multiple times during the vote count.[26] By April 3, 2024, both Low and Simitian tied with 30,249 votes each and were expected to advance to the general election under a stipulation by California elections code regarding a second-place tie in primary elections.[26] Both campaigns released statements indicating that they intended to compete in the general election.[27]

However, after a poll believed to be conducted on behalf of supporters of first-placed Sam Liccardo testing two-way match-ups was fielded,[28] two residents of the district, including former Liccardo campaign finance director and current donor Jonathan Padilla, requested a recount; Liccardo himself was ineligible to do so because he does not live in the district.[29] Liccardo's campaign denied responsibility, though they agreed the recount was necessary, saying "every vote should be counted."[30]

At the conclusion of the recount, Simitian was ultimately eliminated and Low advanced to the general election by a 5-vote margin.[31]

In October 2024, good-government group Defend the Vote[32] filed an FEC complaint against Low,[33] alleging that he had spent nearly $600,000[34] from his state campaign account on ads that were distributed across the congressional district. Defend the Vote argued that the move violated federal campaign finance laws,[35] as state campaigns can accept higher individual contributions than federal campaigns, and can receive political action committee and corporation donations directly.

In wake of the expenditures, an attorney for Liccardo sent cease and desist letters[36] to five TV stations that broadcast the ads. The Mercury News Editorial Board reaffirmed their endorsement of Liccardo,[37] criticizing Low for “putting political self-interest ahead of campaign integrity.”

Election results

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2014 California State Assembly

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See also: California State Assembly elections, 2014
California's 28th State Assembly district election, 2014
Primary election
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Evan Low 30,807 39.7
Republican Chuck Page 20,895 26.9
Democratic Barry Chang 19,156 24.7
Republican Michael Hunsweck 6,732 8.7
Total votes 77,590 100.0
General election
Democratic Evan Low 71,239 59.4
Republican Chuck Page 48,645 40.6
Total votes 119,884 100.0
Democratic hold

2016 California State Assembly

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See also: California State Assembly election, 2016
California's 28th State Assembly district election, 2016
Primary election
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Evan Low (incumbent) 83,038 71.5
Republican Nicholas Sclavos 33,154 28.5
Total votes 116,192 100.0
General election
Democratic Evan Low (incumbent) 136,547 70.0
Republican Nicholas Sclavos 58,641 30.0
Total votes 195,188 100.0
Democratic hold

2018 California State Assembly

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See also: California State Assembly election, 2018
California's 28th State Assembly district election, 2018
Primary election
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Evan Low (incumbent) 77,011 70.8
Republican Michael L. Snyder 31,776 29.2
Total votes 108,787 100.0
General election
Democratic Evan Low (incumbent) 130,815 71.1
Republican Michael L. Snyder 53,195 28.9
Total votes 184,010 100.0
Democratic hold

2020 California State Assembly

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See also: 2020 California State Assembly election
California's 28th State Assembly district election, 2020 [citation needed]
Primary election
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Evan Low (incumbent) 96,976 71.1
Republican Carlos Rafael Cruz 32,136 23.5
No party preference Sam Ross 7,350 5.4
Total votes 136,462 100.0
General election
Democratic Evan Low (incumbent) 166,733 71.6
Republican Carlos Rafael Cruz 65,976 28.4
Total votes 232,709 100.0
Democratic hold

2022 California State Assembly

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See also: 2022 California State Assembly election

After redistricting added Campbell to Assemblymember Marc Berman's district, Low announced he would run in the new 26th district spanning Sunnyvale, Cupertino, and Santa Clara.[38]

California's 26th State Assembly district election, 2022[39]
Primary election
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Evan Low (incumbent) 45,916 66.9
Republican Tim Gorsulowsky 16,289 23.7
Democratic Long Jiao 6,434 9.4
Total votes 68,639 100.0
General election
Democratic Evan Low (incumbent) 81,595 74.0
Republican Tim Gorsulowsky 28,616 26.0
Total votes 136,462 100.0
Democratic hold

Honors

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San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom issued a proclamation naming June 5, 2006, "Evan Low Day" in the City and County of San Francisco.[6][40][41]

Assemblymember Low has been named "Legislator of the Year" by the Internet Association, TechNet, The Computing Technology Industry Association, California Faculty Association, Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association, California District Attorneys Association and Faculty Association of California Community Colleges.[42][43][44]

References

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  1. ^ "Election results, Santa Clara County, November 2014". The Mercury News. November 4, 2014. Retrieved April 9, 2016.
  2. ^ "Bay Area Reporter :: Gay CA Assemblyman Low to co-chair Yang presidential campaign".
  3. ^ a b McLaughlin, Ken (December 7, 2009). "Campbell picks young, gay mayor". San Jose Mercury News. Retrieved December 9, 2009.
  4. ^ a b c Jones, Carolyn (December 2, 2009). "Young, gay Asian becomes mayor of Campbell". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved December 2, 2009.
  5. ^ a b "Campbell Council Expected To Elect Country's Youngest Openly Gay Mayor". KTVU. December 1, 2009. Archived from the original on December 16, 2010. Retrieved December 2, 2009.
  6. ^ a b Vongsarath, Chris (2009-12-02). "Campbell's Evan Low sworn in as youngest Asian-American, openly gay mayor in the country". San Jose Mercury News. Retrieved 2015-06-24. ... following in the footsteps of his father, Dr. Art Low, a former Campbell Chamber of Commerce President and the 1994 Citizen of the Year.
  7. ^ Babcock, Brian (January 3, 2013). "Evan Low says he'll focus on 'issues that unite us'". San Jose Mercury News. Retrieved April 24, 2013. [Low] wanted to become a teacher, while his father Arthur wanted him to take over his optometry business.
  8. ^ White, Jeremy (November 25, 2014). "California Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins announces leadership team". Sacramento Bee. Retrieved April 9, 2016.
  9. ^ White, Jeremy (March 10, 2016). "Speaker Rendon names new California Assembly committee chairs". Sacramento Bee. Retrieved April 9, 2016.
  10. ^ "Ch-Ch-Changes: New Assembly Leadership, Committee Swaps". California State Association of Counties. March 11, 2016.
  11. ^ Alaban, Lloyd (November 22, 2021). "San Jose Spotlight: Silicon Valley Lawmaker'S Committee Removal Sparks Outrage".
  12. ^ a b Miller, Cheryll (October 13, 2015). "State Lawmakers Form Tech Caucus". The Recorder. ALM Media Properties, LLC. Retrieved April 9, 2016.
  13. ^ Bajko, Matthew (April 7, 2016). "Political Notebook: Pelosi backs CA banning travel to stateswith anti-LGBT laws". Retrieved April 9, 2016.
  14. ^ "California ACA5 | 2019-2020 | Regular Session". LegiScan. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  15. ^ "Vote Smart | Facts For All". Vote Smart. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  16. ^ "Bill Votes - ACA-7 Government preferences: programs: exceptions". leginfo.legislature.ca.gov. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  17. ^ Zinshteyn, Mikhail (2023-06-21). "California voters may again vote on whether to bring back affirmative action, but in limited form". CalMatters. Retrieved 2024-01-17.
  18. ^ Sheeler, Andrew (13 September 2023). "California no longer bans state-funded travel to more than half of the country". Sacramento Bee. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
  19. ^ Cogan, Marin (February 25, 2016). "Is There a 'Next Obama' on the Democratic Party Bench?". New York Magazine. Retrieved March 14, 2016.
  20. ^ "The Sacramento Bee".
  21. ^ "Meet the man driving the future of Uber and Lyft in the California Legislature - Los Angeles Times". Los Angeles Times. 16 June 2017.
  22. ^ Bollag, Sophia (July 18, 2019). "California candidates can use foreign language birth names on ballots under new law". Sacramento Bee.
  23. ^ Bollag, Sophia (October 7, 2023). "Gov. Newsom signs bill repealing doctor-muzzling COVID misinformation law he signed a year ago". Santa Cruz Sentinel.
  24. ^ "Tech-focused lawmaker launches campaign for Silicon Valley House seat". POLITICO. 2023-12-05. Retrieved 2024-01-17.
  25. ^ Geha, Joseph (2023-12-05). "It's official: Evan Low is running for Silicon Valley congressional seat". San José Spotlight. Archived from the original on December 12, 2023. Retrieved 2023-12-05.
  26. ^ a b Wick, Julia (April 3, 2024). "Every vote counts in Silicon Valley, where two congressional candidates literally tied for second place". Los Angeles Times.
  27. ^ Sheyner, Gennady (2024-04-03). "Three to go to Congressional general election in November". Palo Alto Online. Retrieved 2024-04-04.
  28. ^ Kadah, Jana (April 8, 2024). "Mysterious Silicon Valley poll in congressional race could signal recount". San José Spotlight. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  29. ^ Marzorati, Guy (April 9, 2024). "Requests for Recount Could Upend Silicon Valley Race for Congress". KQED. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  30. ^ Taylor, Sarah; Korte, Lara (April 9, 2024). "Tied California House race heading to a recount". Politico. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  31. ^ Hase, Grace (May 1, 2024). "Congressional Recount: Evan Low heads to November election as Joe Simitian is knocked off the ballot". The Mercury News. Retrieved May 1, 2024.
  32. ^ Brian@wedefendthevote.org (2024-10-02). "Defend The Vote Files FEC Complaint Against Evan Low". Defend The Vote. Retrieved 2024-10-16.
  33. ^ "Evan Low hit with FEC complaint accusing him of illegally using money from his state campaign account for his congressional bid". The Mercury News. 2024-10-02. Retrieved 2024-10-16.
  34. ^ "Sam Liccardo's attorney sends cease and desist letters to TV stations airing 'illegal campaign advertisements' for Evan Low". The Mercury News. 2024-10-10. Retrieved 2024-10-16.
  35. ^ "Defend the Vote Adds More Beef to its FEC Complaint Against Evan Low". San Jose Inside. 2024-10-08. Retrieved 2024-10-16.
  36. ^ "Sam Liccardo's attorney sends cease and desist letters to TV stations airing 'illegal campaign advertisements' for Evan Low". The Mercury News. 2024-10-10. Retrieved 2024-10-16.
  37. ^ "Editorial: Elect Liccardo for Congress; reject Low's disregard for election integrity". The Mercury News. 2024-10-11. Retrieved 2024-10-16.
  38. ^ Hase, Grace (December 27, 2021). "Evan Low to run in new Assembly district". Mercury News. Retrieved December 30, 2021.
  39. ^ "Statewide Election Results :: California Secretary of State".
  40. ^ "Evan Low | Asian Pacific American Political Database | Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies". Archived from the original on 2013-07-03. Retrieved 2013-04-24.
  41. ^ Elias, Jennifer (2010-02-04). "New Campbell mayor credits much of his success to SJSU". Spartan Daily. San Jose State University. Archived from the original on 2014-02-02. Retrieved 2015-06-24. Low said he was rejected from every major college he applied.
  42. ^ "Low Named 2017 Legislator of the Year by Tech Association". 15 March 2017.
  43. ^ "CFA honors legislators dedicated to helping protect, propel higher education in the state - California Faculty Association". www.calfac.org. Archived from the original on 2016-02-11.
  44. ^ "Political Spotlight: Assemblymember Evan Low (D-Campbell) | FACCC". www.faccc.org. Archived from the original on 2015-07-11.
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