The Legislature makes decisions that affect all of California, but for those of us living in a city that is practically the most southern part of the state, we often feel like our community’s voice is lost somewhere on the I-5.

Dr. Darshana Patel was inspired to run for State Assembly after noticing the amount of policies coming down from Sacramento that lack feasibility. With the future generation in mind, Dr. Patel felt compelled to tackle issues such as climate change, health care, housing, and public education.

Dr. Patel hopes to raise awareness for the issues that our community deems important. She is a current member of the PUSD School Board and also serves as President of the San Diego County School Boards Association. She is a member of the San Diego County Democratic Party Central Committee and is the only candidate endorsed by Planned Parenthood.

She believes some of the Legislature’s recent decisions have been made without full consideration of their effects on public schools.

For example, while the state failed to acknowledge the community’s lack of need or demand for an 8:30 start in all high schools, Dr. Patel recognized the detrimental trickle-down effect of forcing all high schools and middle schools into a later start time. The later start times have proved to be very disruptive within our community as E.S.S. programs can no longer employ high school students, limiting available after-school childcare for countless families.

Throughout her time on the PUSD School Board, Dr. Patel has helped expand the Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs and has taken major strides toward full inclusion for disabled students. While the Legislature is choosing to hone in on issues that are irrelevant to our community, Dr. Patel has clear and concise focuses that benefit families and education systems.

Dr. Patel has also noticed an extreme change in the cost of living in California. One of her main priorities is affordability, as according to United Ways of California, 34% of California residents are unable to meet basic needs such as paying rent, buying groceries, or affording medicine. 

Dr. Patel will advocate for more housing, as well as renters and mortgage assistance, and loan forgiveness, all of which would help alleviate the economic burdens felt by many community members. Current Assembly members agree with Dr. Patel and the plan to build more housing. She plans to bring market costs down by increasing the supply of housing to meet the growing demand.

Dr. Patel’s background in science is also a standout feature of her campaign, as no scientists are currently represented in the Assembly.

“I’m not coming into the work with any kind of preconceived notions,” Dr. Patel said. “I’m a scientist. So I believe in seeing the data. I want to make sure that our policies are effective, that we can implement them, that they’re well funded.”

Her scientific approach makes Dr. Patel a perfect candidate for a political position, as she bases her policies on factual data that has been observed or reported. 

It is a freedom to be a young voter in a representative democracy. Voting is crucial to ensure a future that represents the values and views you believe in.  A vote for Dr. Darshana Patel is a step toward your voice being echoed through the chambers of the Capitol Building.