Tara Sreekrishnan, a prominent member of the Indian American community and current Santa Clara County Board of Education member, has officially announced her candidacy for the California State Assembly in District 26. Emphasizing Silicon Valley’s innovative spirit, she acknowledges the pressing challenges faced by residents, including housing affordability, climate change, traffic congestion, and an education system in need of strengthening. Sreekrishnan’s motivation to run for State Assembly stems from a commitment to efficiently address these challenges and utilize tax dollars effectively.
At the age of 30, Sreekrishnan has been serving on the county board of education since 2021 and currently holds the position of Deputy Chief of Staff and Legislative Director for State Sen Dave Cortese. As a co-founder of Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action, a nonprofit dedicated to combating climate change through education and public policy initiatives, she brings a comprehensive perspective to her candidacy.
Endorsed by notable figures, including State Sen. Dave Cortese, State Sen. Nancy Skinner, and Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, among others, Sreekrishnan emphasizes her immigrant background and the diversity and energy of District 26. Through her nonprofit work, she has empowered students across multiple cities to engage actively in environmental sciences and conservation.
Sreekrishnan’s dedication to public service is rooted in her family’s immigrant experience, instilling values of education and community contribution. Her mother’s legacy as a librarian and volunteer fundraiser in schools inspired Tara to pursue public service. With professional experience spanning various levels of local government, she has contributed to legislation addressing homelessness, school modernization, youth drug overdoses, and job training.
Graduating from Mills College, Sreekrishnan’s journey includes work as a community and political organizer after college, engaging in grassroots campaigns across the Bay Area. Running for Assembly, she expresses a profound understanding of California’s financial responsibility, the need for education reform, and the importance of safe, clean, and affordable communities.
