Chris Holden has dedicated his career to finding solutions that create and protect jobs, preserve vital services, and strengthen the economic vitality of the San Gabriel Valley. 

Chris was elected to serve the Foothill Communities in the State Assembly in 2012. He has authored and led the passage of several bills, including legislation to make the state's small business loan guarantee program more accessible, and expanding innovation hubs throughout the state to spur business startups focused on emerging technologies. He also spearheaded the effort expand access to community college courses for high school student through dual enrollment.

Chris Holden entered public service as a member of the Pasadena City Council. Under his leadership, the city created its first living wage ordinance, to ensure that workers could earn decent pay for their hard work and contribute to the local economy. He also managed deregulation of the city’s public utility in a way that preserved local jobs while keeping rates lower than in the private marketplace.

Chris was instrumental in expanding the Metro Gold Line connecting the region to Los Angeles, which is creating jobs and promoting business activity. He also created the task force that led to the creation of Paseo Colorado and reconnected the historic civic center and new convention center, a key project that has helped small businesses and contributed in the revitalization of downtown Pasadena.

A lifelong resident of Pasadena, Chris attended Pasadena High School and received his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from San Diego State University. He lives in Pasadena with his wife, Melanie, and has five children.

Chris Holden knows firsthand how government policy can make a positive difference in the lives of real people and real communities. He has built his public service career on the ability to listen, forge partnerships, and establish consensus on the range of economic, social, and other policy issues facing California today.

He believes it is important to bring together and build relationships with community organizations, civic leaders, and residents in order to be an informed and accessible legislator. Chris Holden is a Democrat but that has not stopped him from working across party lines to bring solutions that work for the Foothill Communities.