https://wp-calmatters.digitaldemocracy.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/01/San-Jose-3560-CM.jpg
Headshot of Ash Kalra

Ash Kalra

Democrat, State Assembly
District 25, San Jose
Time in office:
  • Assembly: 2016-present

News coverage of Ash Kalra

Bio

Ash Kalra, 54, was the first Indian American to be elected to the Assembly when he assumed office in 2016. Previously he was on the San Jose City Council. He was a deputy public defender for Santa Clara County. He’s been a law professor at Lincoln Law School of San Jose. He has a bachelor’s degree from UC Santa Barbara and a law degree from Georgetown University. As former chair of the progressive caucus, he advocated for single-payer healthcare and the rights of those who’ve faced systemic racism in the justice system. He’s a vegan and the chair of the Assembly Select Committee On Alternative Protein Innovation.

Ideology

Left

Moderate

Right

Bill Activity

0

Of 36 bills:
12 Passed
6 Failed
18 Pending

For this session year, this legislator initiated 36 bills: 12 passed, 6 failed, and 18 are currently pending.

Alignment Meter

See all-time percentage of this legislator’s alignment with any organization based on total votes.

xx%votes: xx

Influence

There are three categories of donations to legislators after they are elected that encourage a working relationship between the donor and the legislator. The three categories are: 1-Gifts, 2-Travel, 3-Behests.

Giver
Value
Date
Description
CA Democratic Party$60.99Aug 24, 2021lunch
CA Tribal Business Alliance$53.22Jul 14, 2021food, beverages and entertainment
Rendon for Assembly 2020$24.64Jan 28, 2021Photo book pictures of Organizational session & swearing in
Asm. Reyes$7.5Mar 4, 2021mask

Gifts

Legislators are not allowed to accept gifts of more than $10 per month from registered lobbyists. Gifts from any other single source are limited to $590 in a calendar year.

Gift Received Rating
#66/120

This legislator is ranked 66th highest for the amount of personal gifts received.

Policy

Bills Authored by Ash Kalra

AB 1999
Veterinary medicine.

Committee: Assembly Standing Committee on Business and Professions

In Progress
Veterinary medicine.Committee: Assembly Standing Committee on Business and Professions
AB 2495
Unlawful immigration-related practices.

Committee: Assembly Standing Committee on Labor and Employment

In Progress
Unlawful immigration-related practices.Committee: Assembly Standing Committee on Labor and Employment
AB 2534
Domestic Violence Prevention Act: forced marriage.

Committee: Assembly Standing Committee on Judiciary

In Progress
Domestic Violence Prevention Act: forced marriage.Committee: Assembly Standing Committee on Judiciary
View All Bills

Committees

Most of the policy work in the state Capitol is done in “Standing” committees. Legislators also work on budget subcommittees. There are also “Special” and “Select” committees with a more narrow topic focus. And there are “Joint” committees with members from the Senate and Assembly.

Hearings

Featured Comments

Below are links to the video and transcript of recent, substantive comments by this legislator in committee hearings or floor sessions.

Preview image for AB 226313MIN
Jun 16, 2026

AB 2263

Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority: employee housing: transit-oriented joint development projects.

Preview image for AB 212212MIN
Jun 16, 2026

AB 2122

Infractions: warrants and penalties.

Preview image for AB 16976MIN
Jun 10, 2026

AB 1697

Employment contracts: stay-or-pay provisions: contract date.

Preview image for AB 23057MIN
Jun 9, 2026

AB 2305

Attorneys: corporate lenders.

Preview image for AB 19584MIN
May 28, 2026

AB 1958

Criminal procedure: discrimination.

Preview image for AB 22182MIN
May 27, 2026

AB 2218

Water policy: California Native American tribes.

Preview image for AB 24951MIN
May 27, 2026

AB 2495

Unlawful immigration-related practices.

Preview image for AB 23672MIN
May 26, 2026

AB 2367

State employment: reporting: health facilities.

Preview image for AB 21221MIN
May 22, 2026

AB 2122

Infractions: warrants and penalties.

Preview image for AB 16977MIN
May 18, 2026

AB 1697

Employment contracts: stay-or-pay provisions: contract date.

Preview image for AB 21351MIN
May 14, 2026

AB 2135

Long-term health care facilities.

Preview image for AB 16581MIN
May 11, 2026

AB 1658

Local Agency Public Construction Act: change orders: County of Los Angeles: County...

View All Hearings

District

View of map with yellow overlay for Assembly District 25 boundaries.
District 25 is a Safe Democratic District
Democratic Party candidate has a very high likelihood of winning in an election

Previous Election (2024):

Ash Kalra
68.4%
WON
Ted Stroll
31.6%

Party Registration

Census Data

Median age0102030

Median age