Newly Elected California Assemblymember Darshana Patel

 Embracing Responsibility and Restoring Faith in Government

Dr. Darshana Patel embarks on her journey as the new Assemblymember for San Diego's District 76, bringing a sense of excitement and responsibility to serve the people of California. As she begins her tenure, she acknowledges the high expectations placed upon her to address the pressing issues affecting her community.

• The people of the 76th Assembly District have entrusted her with a mandate to tackle the economic hardships and challenges they face, making restoring faith in government a top priority.
• Through her door-to-door campaign, Dr. Patel has gained firsthand knowledge of the communities' concerns, solidifying her resolve to collaborate with colleagues like Speaker Robert Rivas to create meaningful change.
• Restoring faith in democracy and government will be a crucial aspect of Dr. Patel's tenure, and she believes that working together with her colleagues will enable them to achieve more, reach further, and serve the people of California better.

California's 76th Assembly District centers on Escondido, but covers Carmel Valley to Rancho Penasquitos in the south up to Rancho Santa Fe and San Marcos in the North, with an Eastern arm to San Pasqual.

California Assemblywoman Darshana Patel Brings Immigrant Family Values to Sacramento

By Special Correspondent

SAN DIEGO, CA - Dr. Darshana Patel, who recently won election to California's 76th Assembly District, is bringing her unique perspective as the daughter of Indian immigrants to tackle pressing issues facing her Northern San Diego County constituents.

Patel, a Democrat who defeated Republican Kristie Bruce-Lane in November, transitioned from a successful career in biotechnology research to public service. Her journey into politics began in 2016 when she won a seat on the Poway Unified School District Board during a time of financial turmoil.

"I am the daughter of Indian immigrants and I understand the challenges that families in my district face from rising cost of living in California," Patel told reporters. "My dad was a small business owner and I am very concerned about the affordability issues that people in my community are facing."

The newly elected assemblywoman's priorities reflect her personal experiences and community concerns. Affordability tops her agenda, particularly housing costs that prevent essential workers from living in the communities they serve.

"Many people who take care of our families like nurses, fire fighters, police officers and teachers cannot afford to live in our community and have to commute long distances for work," she explained. "I want to help the workforce in our community to find a piece of the American dream."

Her legislative focus includes several education bills, including closing legal loopholes on threats against schools, streamlining credentials for special education teachers, and providing health insurance for adjunct community college instructors. She has also requested funding for a new CalFire helicopter and is working on tightening safety standards for battery storage facilities.

Patel's background in science informs her approach to governance. After earning a Ph.D. in Biophysics from UC Irvine, she worked in oncology research at Genentech, developing cancer treatments. This experience taught her "what collaborative problem-solving could look like, really tackling complex issues as a team."

Personal tragedy also shapes her policy priorities. Patel lost her mother to an undiagnosed condition when she was 14, and her father passed away without access to federal health insurance coverage. These experiences drive her advocacy for affordable healthcare.

"That was a very emotional time for my brothers and me. It made me rethink about a career in developing cutting edge therapeutics when many people cannot access basic healthcare," she said.

As President of the San Diego County School Boards Association and a member of the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs, Patel has built a reputation for thoughtful problem-solving and fiscal responsibility.

Despite being disappointed by the recent presidential election results, Patel remains focused on her district's needs. "At the end of the day, I am answerable to the voters who elected me. I have to honor their confidence and look very carefully at our policies and see whether they benefit the people in our local communities."

Patel, who was born in Pittsburgh, maintains strong connections to her Indian heritage. Her three daughters study classical Bharatnatyam dance, and she celebrates Indian cultural traditions. "Being able to connect with my Indian roots, for me, has been a very special experience," she said.

With her diverse background, scientific expertise, and community-focused approach, Assemblywoman Patel represents a new generation of leadership in California's state government.

Sacramento Report: Q&A with Assemblymember Darshana Patel  | Voice of San Diego