A Climate Change with Matt Matern Climate Podcast

Assemblymember Ash Kalra represents California’s 25th Assembly District, serving the majority of San José and portions of Santa Clara County. First elected to the California State Assembly in 2016, he made history as the first Indian American elected to the California Legislature and has since become a leading voice on social justice, environmental protection, housing, labor rights, and healthcare reform.

As Chair of the Assembly Judiciary Committee and Chair Emeritus of the California Legislative Progressive Caucus, Ash has authored landmark legislation addressing racial justice, environmental conservation, worker protections, affordable housing, and healthcare access. His signature achievements include the California Racial Justice Act, landmark 30×30 conservation legislation to protect California’s lands and coastal waters, and efforts to expand tenant protections, safeguard workers, and advance environmental justice.

Prior to serving in the Legislature, Ash spent eight years on the San José City Council and eleven years as a Deputy Public Defender in Santa Clara County, advocating for underserved communities and criminal justice reform. He has also taught at San José State University and Lincoln Law School. A lifelong resident of San José, Ash holds a degree in Communication from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and a law degree from Georgetown University.