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Chris Holden
Chris Holden, California State Assembly (2012).jpg
Majority Leader of the California Assembly
In office
December 1, 2014 (2014-12-01) – March 10, 2016 (2016-03-10)
Preceded by V. Manuel Perez
Succeeded by Ian Calderon
Member of the California State Assembly
from the 41st district
In office
December 3, 2012 (2012-12-03) – November 30, 2024 (2024-11-30)
Preceded by Julia Brownley (redistricted)
Succeeded by John Harabedian
53rd Mayor of Pasadena
In office
May 1997 (1997-05) – May 1999 (1999-05)
Preceded by Bill Paparian
Succeeded by Bill Bogaard
Personal details
Born (1960-07-19) July 19, 1960 (age 64)
Pasadena, California, U.S.
Political party Democratic
Spouse Melanie Holden
Children 5
Parent
Residences Pasadena, California, U.S.
Alma mater San Diego State University
Profession Small businessman

Christopher R. Holden, born on July 19, 1960, is an American politician. He served in the California State Assembly from 2012 to 2024. As a member of the Democratic Party, he represented the 41st Assembly District. This area includes the northern San Gabriel Valley and the city of Pasadena.

Before joining the Assembly, Holden was a mayor and City Council member in Pasadena. He is the son of Los Angeles politician Nate Holden. Before he retired, Holden was the chairman of the Appropriations Committee. This is a very important position, second only to the Speaker. He was also a member of the California Legislative Black Caucus and the California Legislative Progressive Caucus.

Chris Holden's Journey in Public Service

Early Career in Pasadena

Before being elected to the state assembly, Chris Holden was a member of the Pasadena City Council. He also served as the mayor of Pasadena from 1997 to 1999. He was one of the longest-serving city council members in Pasadena's history, starting in 1989.

Holden went to Pasadena High School. Later, he studied at San Diego State University.

Becoming a State Assembly Member

After his time in Pasadena city government, Holden was elected to the California State Assembly. He served there from 2012 until 2024. During his time in the Assembly, he also held the role of Assembly Majority Floor Leader. This means he helped guide important decisions and laws.

Laws Chris Holden Helped Create

As a state assembly member, Chris Holden worked on many important laws. These laws are called legislation.

  • Teaching History: In his first term, he introduced a law to make sure California schools teach about the importance of Barack Obama's time as president.
  • Fighting Waste: He also worked on a law to stop the problem of grease being stolen from restaurants. This might sound small, but it helps businesses and the environment.
  • Creating Jobs: Holden introduced laws to study how to help the economy grow. These laws also aimed to create more jobs for people.
  • Wildfire Safety: He was a key leader in creating laws to deal with California's serious wildfire problem. He helped pass successful laws on this topic. He was also a main negotiator during this process.
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