Ash Kalra


Ash Kalra is an American politician serving in the California State Assembly. He is a Democrat representing the 27th Assembly District, encompassing parts of eastern San Jose. Kalra is the first Indian-American to serve in the California State Legislature.

2016 California State Assembly

2018 California State Assembly

2020 California State Assembly

Professional background

Kalra, an attorney, served in the Santa Clara County public defender's office for 11 years.

Political background

Prior to being elected to the Assembly, Kalra was a member of the San Jose City Council where he represented District 2 in South San Jose for eight years.
Kalra was first elected to the Assembly after defeating in the general election, fellow city council member and Democrat, Madison Nguyen, and therefore succeeding term-limited Democrat Nora Campos.

Bills

In the 2019–2020 legislative session, Kalra has authored AB 1586, AB 572, and AB 454.

Personal life

Kalra was born in Toronto and later moved to California. His education was at UC Santa Barbara. In a 2011 incident of driving under the influence of alcohol, Kalra pleaded no contest and was sentenced to serve community service hours and receive counseling.