Chris Holden is a public servant, small business owner and lifelong resident of Pasadena. He has dedicated his career to finding solutions that create and protect jobs, preserve vital services and strengthen the economic vitality of the San Gabriel Valley.

Serving the Foothill Communities in the State Assembly
In 2012, Chris was elected to serve the Foothill Communities in the State Assembly. He has authored and led the passage of several bills, including legislation to make the state’s small business loan guarantee program more accessible, and expanding innovation hubs throughout the state to spur business start-ups focused on emerging technologies.

Chris was a strong proponent of Middle Class Scholarships legislation that will reduce fees at UCs and CSUs by up to 40 percent for middle-class families. He also joined State Senator Carol Liu in moving legislation ensuring that the 710 freeway surface route is no longer an option.

A Record of Finding Solutions
Chris entered public service as a member of the Pasadena City Council, and in 1997 was elected Pasadena’s Mayor. Under his leadership, the city created its first living wage ordinance, to ensure that workers could earn decent pay for their hard work and contribute to the local economy. He also managed deregulation of the city’s public utility in a way that preserved local jobs while keeping rates lower than in the private marketplace.

Chris was instrumental in expanding the Metro Gold Line connecting the region to Los Angeles, which is creating jobs and promoting business activity. He also created the task force that led to the creation of Paseo Colorado and reconnected the historic civic center and new convention center, a key project that has helped small businesses and contributed in the revitalization of downtown Pasadena.

A Lifelong Resident of Pasadena
Chris attended Pasadena High School and received his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from San Diego State University. He lives in Pasadena with his wife, Melanie, and his five children: Nicholas, Alexander, Austin, Mariah and Noah.