Preceded by V. Manuel Perez Spouse Melanie Holden Role American Politician | Name Chris Holden Preceded by Bill Paparian Succeeded by Bill Bogaard | |
 | ||
Preceded by Anthony Portantino (redistricted) Born July 19, 1960 (age 63)
Pasadena, California ( 1960-07-19 ) Political party California Democratic Party Education San Diego State University, Pasadena High School | ||
Chris Holden: Your Man in Sacramento
Christopher Holden (born July 19, 1960) is an American politician currently serving in the California State Assembly. He is a Democrat representing the 41st Assembly District, which encompasses the northern San Gabriel Valley.
Contents
He is a member of the California Legislative Black Caucus. 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.
History
Prior to being elected to the Assembly, Holden was a Pasadena city council member, and a former mayor of the city, serving from 1997 to 1999. He is the second longest-serving city councilmember 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.
2014 California State Assembly
In 2014, Holden was reelected to the Assembly with 59% of the vote. Nathaniel Tsai, the 18-year-old challenger to Holden, finished with 41% of the vote.
Legislation
In his first term, Holden introduced legislation to require California schools to teach about the significance of the Barack Obama presidency. He introduced legislation to tackle the problem of grease thievery at restaurants. He also introduced legislation to study and foster economic development and job creation.