Evan Low

[{"question": "Ballotpedia survey responses", "answer_html": "<p>See also: <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a></p>\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-10 col-md-6 col-xs-offset-1 col-md-offset-3\"><p><a href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\"><img align=\"middle\" alt=\"Candidate Connection\" src=\"https://cdn.ballotpedia.org/images/8/88/Candidate_Connection_Logo.png\" width=\"90%\"/></a></p></div></div>\n<p>Evan Low completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Low's responses.</p>\n<p><span class=\"expand-all\">Expand all</span> | <span class=\"collapse-all\">Collapse all</span></p>\n<div aria-multiselectable=\"true\" class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-213064-2024-10-11\" id=\"heading-bio-213064-2024-10-11\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-213064-2024-10-11\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-213064-2024-10-11\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho are you? Tell us about yourself.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-bio-213064-2024-10-11\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-213064-2024-10-11\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tElected as the youngest Asian American mayor and youngest LGBT mayor in the country, I entered public service to champion the middle class. During my 10 years of service as an Assemblymember, I was named California's most effective lawmaker, delivering more signed bills than any other member. I also helped secure over $40 billion to build more affordable housing, increase funding for public schools, provide free community college, and support families struggling with the cost of living. When reproductive rights were under assault, I co-authored legislation to enshrine reproductive freedom in the California Constitution.\r\n<p>My commitment to public safety is personal. As the proud brother of a police officer serving this district, I led the charge to increase law enforcement funding and keep guns out of the hands of criminals and people with mental illness. I was named \"Legislator of the Year\" by the California Police Chiefs Association.\r\n</p>\nIn Washington, I will take on lobbyists, hold oil companies accountable, and fight against pharmaceutical companies' price gouging. I am committed to making the region more affordable for middle and working-class families. I am the only candidate in this race endorsed by the California Democratic Party, labor unions, firefighters, police, nurses, and teachers, and hold a 100% score from Planned Parenthood.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-213064-2024-10-11\" id=\"heading-key-message-213064-2024-10-11\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-213064-2024-10-11\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-213064-2024-10-11\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tPlease list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-key-message-213064-2024-10-11\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-213064-2024-10-11\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>As the candidate in this race who lives in Congressional District 16 and has represented parts of the district for six years as their Assemblymember, I have experienced firsthand how inflation and the rising cost of living are impacting our community. In the California Legislature, I have a proven track record of working to build bipartisan coalitions to provide Californians with lower costs, more affordable housing, and higher wages for workers. If elected to Congress, I will leverage my extensive legislative and coalition-building experience to foster strong relationships with House colleagues and bring much-needed federal relief to working families and small businesses in our community that are still struggling to recover from COVID.</li><li>As a brother of a police officer, I know the importance of supporting our first responders and reducing crime in our communities. To address the opioid epidemic, I passed legislation to enhance reporting requirements and interstate data sharing to help minimize death and abuse. In Congress, I will make sure that we continue to support law enforcement while delivering smart solutions to minimize violent crime and reform our criminal justice system that has disproportionally impacted our Black and brown communities.</li><li>As a gay, fourth-generation Chinese American legislator, I have experienced discrimination and harassment during my time in office because of my identity. Over the years, these experiences motivated me to become an effective advocate for underrepresented and marginalized communities, seeing the parallels between Islamophobia and antisemitism and the xenophobia that Asian American &amp; Pacific Islander communities have experienced historically and especially during the Trump presidency. I have fought for reproductive rights earning me a 100% rating from Planned Parenthood, and co-authored Proposition 1, enshrining reproductive rights in California’s Constitution. If elected, I will continue the fight in Congress.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-213064-2024-10-11\" id=\"heading1-213064-2024-10-11\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-213064-2024-10-11\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-213064-2024-10-11\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading1-213064-2024-10-11\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-213064-2024-10-11\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tIn the Legislature, I founded the California Technology &amp; Innovation Caucus because, as a representative of Silicon Valley, I believe California has a unique role in shaping public policy on technology and innovation, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence (AI) and cryptocurrency. With my legislative experience, I aim to contribute to the Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, focusing on addressing AI discrimination and cryptocurrency regulation.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-213064-2024-10-11\" id=\"heading2-213064-2024-10-11\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-213064-2024-10-11\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-213064-2024-10-11\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading2-213064-2024-10-11\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-213064-2024-10-11\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tOur community has been incredibly blessed to have a compassionate and fierce representative in Congressmember Anna Eshoo for over 30 years. I believe the next officeholder must be able to carry her legacy forward by always keeping the district in mind and working collaboratively on solutions that will bring resources back to the district. This office must provide excellent constituent services in helping constituents navigate the bureaucracy they face when interacting with federal agencies and to be a consensus builder who will pass legislation that will help advance the critical issues that the next generation faces today, whether it be climate action, improving health care affordability, or adapting to technological advances. This officeholder must be a team player to ensure the House of Representatives can advance crucial legislation that will help the American people and prevent the ongoing gridlock we see in Congress today.<br/><br/>\r\nAs a State Assemblymember, my District Office was recognized for its excellence in public service and responsiveness, and we helped thousands of constituents access unemployment benefits during COVID. In addition, I have secured critical state funding for local projects in the district, from improving communication technology for our first responders or building all-inclusive playgrounds in our community. For over 10 years, I have worked across the aisle to pass critical legislation to support working families. As a top fundraiser in the California Democratic Party, I will work hard to elect more Democrats to the House, and as the endorsed candidate of the Democratic Party, I have earned recognition from my colleagues and democratic volunteers for my dedication and hard work. The next officeholder after Congressmember Anna Eshoo must be exceptional and ready on day one. If elected, you have my commitment to always put our district first.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-213064-2024-10-11\" id=\"heading3-213064-2024-10-11\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-213064-2024-10-11\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-213064-2024-10-11\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat legacy would you like to leave?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading3-213064-2024-10-11\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-213064-2024-10-11\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tCongressmember Anna Eshoo has been one of my mentors and instrumental to my continued path in civic engagement and public service. Congressmember Anna Eshoo recognizes that the future is in the hands of the younger generation, which is why we need to elect younger and technologically literate Members to Congress. If elected to Congress, I will carry on her legacy of passing bipartisan legislation that is effective in addressing the needs of the American people and giving voice to those who have been historically left behind or forgotten.<br/><br/>\n<p>Representation matters, which is why Congressmember Eshoo’s legacy as one of the first Members of Congress of Armenian descent is so important. I’m grateful to have earned the endorsement of the Armenian National Committee of America to be a representative to fight for the community’s interests. When I was first elected to Campbell City Council, I was the youngest openly gay and Asian American mayor in the nation. If elected to Congress, I would be the first openly LGBTQ and Chinese American Member of Congress to represent the San Francisco Bay Area. <br/><br/>\n</p>\nCongressional District 16 is the district I was raised in and have lived in for most of my life. From a young age, I volunteered with my family at community events, where I learned the importance of building relationships and showing up for my community. Throughout my time on Campbell City Council and in the State Legislature, I have prioritized nurturing my relationships with the people I work with, no matter what political affiliation or background they may come from, to work on legislative solutions to improve the quality of life for my constituents. As the candidate in this race who lives in the district I hope to represent, I will work hard to follow in Congressmember Eshoo’s footsteps in building coalitions to address our community’s needs.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-213064-2024-10-11\" id=\"heading4-213064-2024-10-11\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-213064-2024-10-11\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-213064-2024-10-11\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading4-213064-2024-10-11\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-213064-2024-10-11\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tOver the next decade, Silicon Valley and the nation face two critical challenges: economic inequality and climate change. While innovation has driven prosperity in our region, wealth is increasingly concentrated, leaving many behind as automation threatens to displace millions of jobs. This deepens disparities in access to education, healthcare, and opportunity. At the same time, climate change is intensifying, with more frequent wildfires, droughts, and extreme weather that hit vulnerable communities hardest. But I believe we can find solutions that also create opportunities. By leading in green technologies and investing in clean energy and infrastructure, we can not only tackle climate change but create well-paying jobs and sustainable growth. We must ensure a just transition, supporting workers in traditional industries as we move toward a future that benefits everyone. In Congress, I will champion forward-thinking policies that ensure Silicon Valley remains at the forefront of innovation while building a more equitable and sustainable future for all.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-213064-2024-10-11\" id=\"heading5-213064-2024-10-11\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse5-213064-2024-10-11\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-213064-2024-10-11\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tBoth sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading5-213064-2024-10-11\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse5-213064-2024-10-11\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tLast year, a constituent going by Jane Doe shared with me that she was groomed and sexually assaulted at 16 by her teacher. Although the 52-year-old high school teacher was convicted of statutory rape, his prison sentence was suspended in lieu of 5 years of probation and 50 hours of community service. It is outrageous that this sexual predator did not serve any prison time and was able to fulfill his community service at a high school where he was free to roam the campus and be in the proximity of potential victims. I introduced legislation to protect our children by keeping pedophiles who use their position of authority away from our children. The law prohibits these sexual predators from completing their community service around young people who could be their next victims.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-213064-2024-10-11\" id=\"heading6-213064-2024-10-11\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse6-213064-2024-10-11\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-213064-2024-10-11\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading6-213064-2024-10-11\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse6-213064-2024-10-11\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tCalifornia Democratic Party<br/>\n<p>California Teachers Association<br/>\r\nCalifornia Labor Federation<br/>\r\nDemocratic Activists for Women Now<br/>\r\nEquality California<br/>\r\nBob Jonsen, Santa Clara County Sheriff<br/>\r\nSanta Clara County Firefighters, Local 1165<br/>\r\nEleni Kounalakis, California Lieutenant Governor<br/>\r\nLaphonza Butler, U.S. Senator for California<br/>\r\nRo Khanna, California Congressmember for District 17<br/>\r\nMike Honda, Former California Congressmember for District 17<br/>\n</p>\nJudy Chu, California Congressmember for District 28\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-213064-2024-10-11\" id=\"heading7-213064-2024-10-11\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse7-213064-2024-10-11\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-213064-2024-10-11\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat committees interest you?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading7-213064-2024-10-11\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse7-213064-2024-10-11\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tAs the Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the bipartisan California Technology &amp; Innovation Caucus in the State Assembly, I am interested in contributing to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, especially the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div></div>\n<div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.</i></p></div>", "answer_text": "See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection\n\nEvan Low completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Low's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. Elected as the youngest Asian American mayor and youngest LGBT mayor in the country, I entered public service to champion the middle class. During my 10 years of service as an Assemblymember, I was named California's most effective lawmaker, delivering more signed bills than any other member. I also helped secure over $40 billion to build more affordable housing, increase funding for public schools, provide free community college, and support families struggling with the cost of living. When reproductive rights were under assault, I co-authored legislation to enshrine reproductive freedom in the California Constitution. My commitment to public safety is personal. As the proud brother of a police officer serving this district, I led the charge to increase law enforcement funding and keep guns out of the hands of criminals and people with mental illness. I was named \"Legislator of the Year\" by the California Police Chiefs Association. In Washington, I will take on lobbyists, hold oil companies accountable, and fight against pharmaceutical companies' price gouging. I am committed to making the region more affordable for middle and working-class families. I am the only candidate in this race endorsed by the California Democratic Party, labor unions, firefighters, police, nurses, and teachers, and hold a 100% score from Planned Parenthood. Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? As the candidate in this race who lives in Congressional District 16 and has represented parts of the district for six years as their Assemblymember, I have experienced firsthand how inflation and the rising cost of living are impacting our community. In the California Legislature, I have a proven track record of working to build bipartisan coalitions to provide Californians with lower costs, more affordable housing, and higher wages for workers. If elected to Congress, I will leverage my extensive legislative and coalition-building experience to foster strong relationships with House colleagues and bring much-needed federal relief to working families and small businesses in our community that are still struggling to recover from COVID. As a brother of a police officer, I know the importance of supporting our first responders and reducing crime in our communities. To address the opioid epidemic, I passed legislation to enhance reporting requirements and interstate data sharing to help minimize death and abuse. In Congress, I will make sure that we continue to support law enforcement while delivering smart solutions to minimize violent crime and reform our criminal justice system that has disproportionally impacted our Black and brown communities. As a gay, fourth-generation Chinese American legislator, I have experienced discrimination and harassment during my time in office because of my identity. Over the years, these experiences motivated me to become an effective advocate for underrepresented and marginalized communities, seeing the parallels between Islamophobia and antisemitism and the xenophobia that Asian American & Pacific Islander communities have experienced historically and especially during the Trump presidency. I have fought for reproductive rights earning me a 100% rating from Planned Parenthood, and co-authored Proposition 1, enshrining reproductive rights in California’s Constitution. If elected, I will continue the fight in Congress. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? In the Legislature, I founded the California Technology & Innovation Caucus because, as a representative of Silicon Valley, I believe California has a unique role in shaping public policy on technology and innovation, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence (AI) and cryptocurrency. With my legislative experience, I aim to contribute to the Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, focusing on addressing AI discrimination and cryptocurrency regulation. What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office? Our community has been incredibly blessed to have a compassionate and fierce representative in Congressmember Anna Eshoo for over 30 years. I believe the next officeholder must be able to carry her legacy forward by always keeping the district in mind and working collaboratively on solutions that will bring resources back to the district. This office must provide excellent constituent services in helping constituents navigate the bureaucracy they face when interacting with federal agencies and to be a consensus builder who will pass legislation that will help advance the critical issues that the next generation faces today, whether it be climate action, improving health care affordability, or adapting to technological advances. This officeholder must be a team player to ensure the House of Representatives can advance crucial legislation that will help the American people and prevent the ongoing gridlock we see in Congress today. As a State Assemblymember, my District Office was recognized for its excellence in public service and responsiveness, and we helped thousands of constituents access unemployment benefits during COVID. In addition, I have secured critical state funding for local projects in the district, from improving communication technology for our first responders or building all-inclusive playgrounds in our community. For over 10 years, I have worked across the aisle to pass critical legislation to support working families. As a top fundraiser in the California Democratic Party, I will work hard to elect more Democrats to the House, and as the endorsed candidate of the Democratic Party, I have earned recognition from my colleagues and democratic volunteers for my dedication and hard work. The next officeholder after Congressmember Anna Eshoo must be exceptional and ready on day one. If elected, you have my commitment to always put our district first. What legacy would you like to leave? Congressmember Anna Eshoo has been one of my mentors and instrumental to my continued path in civic engagement and public service. Congressmember Anna Eshoo recognizes that the future is in the hands of the younger generation, which is why we need to elect younger and technologically literate Members to Congress. If elected to Congress, I will carry on her legacy of passing bipartisan legislation that is effective in addressing the needs of the American people and giving voice to those who have been historically left behind or forgotten. Representation matters, which is why Congressmember Eshoo’s legacy as one of the first Members of Congress of Armenian descent is so important. I’m grateful to have earned the endorsement of the Armenian National Committee of America to be a representative to fight for the community’s interests. When I was first elected to Campbell City Council, I was the youngest openly gay and Asian American mayor in the nation. If elected to Congress, I would be the first openly LGBTQ and Chinese American Member of Congress to represent the San Francisco Bay Area. Congressional District 16 is the district I was raised in and have lived in for most of my life. From a young age, I volunteered with my family at community events, where I learned the importance of building relationships and showing up for my community. Throughout my time on Campbell City Council and in the State Legislature, I have prioritized nurturing my relationships with the people I work with, no matter what political affiliation or background they may come from, to work on legislative solutions to improve the quality of life for my constituents. As the candidate in this race who lives in the district I hope to represent, I will work hard to follow in Congressmember Eshoo’s footsteps in building coalitions to address our community’s needs. What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade? Over the next decade, Silicon Valley and the nation face two critical challenges: economic inequality and climate change. While innovation has driven prosperity in our region, wealth is increasingly concentrated, leaving many behind as automation threatens to displace millions of jobs. This deepens disparities in access to education, healthcare, and opportunity. At the same time, climate change is intensifying, with more frequent wildfires, droughts, and extreme weather that hit vulnerable communities hardest. But I believe we can find solutions that also create opportunities. By leading in green technologies and investing in clean energy and infrastructure, we can not only tackle climate change but create well-paying jobs and sustainable growth. We must ensure a just transition, supporting workers in traditional industries as we move toward a future that benefits everyone. In Congress, I will champion forward-thinking policies that ensure Silicon Valley remains at the forefront of innovation while building a more equitable and sustainable future for all. Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful? Last year, a constituent going by Jane Doe shared with me that she was groomed and sexually assaulted at 16 by her teacher. Although the 52-year-old high school teacher was convicted of statutory rape, his prison sentence was suspended in lieu of 5 years of probation and 50 hours of community service. It is outrageous that this sexual predator did not serve any prison time and was able to fulfill his community service at a high school where he was free to roam the campus and be in the proximity of potential victims. I introduced legislation to protect our children by keeping pedophiles who use their position of authority away from our children. The law prohibits these sexual predators from completing their community service around young people who could be their next victims. What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign? California Democratic Party California Teachers Association California Labor Federation Democratic Activists for Women Now Equality California Bob Jonsen, Santa Clara County Sheriff Santa Clara County Firefighters, Local 1165 Eleni Kounalakis, California Lieutenant Governor Laphonza Butler, U.S. Senator for California Ro Khanna, California Congressmember for District 17 Mike Honda, Former California Congressmember for District 17 Judy Chu, California Congressmember for District 28 What committees interest you? As the Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the bipartisan California Technology & Innovation Caucus in the State Assembly, I am interested in contributing to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, especially the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.\nNote: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it."}, {"question": "Campaign website", "answer_html": "<p>Low’s campaign website stated the following:\n</p>\n<div style=\"height:400px;overflow:scroll;border:1px solid gray;margin:20px;padding:10px;\">\n<table data-nosnippet=\"\" style=\"border-collapse: collapse; border: none;background-color: transparent; auto; ;\">\n<tbody><tr>\n<td style=\"border:none; color:#B2B7F2;font-size:35px;font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: left; padding: 10px 3px;\" valign=\"top\" width=\"20\">“\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; padding: 4px 10px;\" valign=\"top\">\n<p><b>PRIORITIES</b><br/>\nI imagine a world with Trump as president again and it motivates me to protect the values that enabled me and so many members of our community to thrive here. In the State Assembly, the Sacramento Bee named me “California’s Most Prolific Lawmaker” for my record of passing bills to protect abortion rights, fight Trump’s hate, and lower our costs of living. Now, I’m running to take the fight to Congress.\n</p><p><b>ABORTION RIGHTS</b><br/>\nI will be a steadfast defender of a woman's right to choose because I believe it is a private healthcare decision she should make between her doctor, her family and herself. <b>In the State Assembly, I proudly coauthored Proposition 1, which enshrined abortion rights in our California constitution.</b>\n</p><p><b>I’m deeply honored to be the only candidate in this race with a 100% score from Planned Parenthood California this year.</b> I know that as your representative, it is critical that I stand with women to defend privacy in healthcare decisions and ensure accessible, quality reproductive healthcare for all. \n</p><p>At a time when the anti-abortion extremists who hold a narrow majority in the House are pushing a national abortion ban, I’m running for Congress to keep standing up for reproductive freedom. <b>I’ll oppose all attempts by MAGA Republicans to pass a national abortion ban, and I’ll fight to pass the reproductive freedoms of Roe into law. </b>\n</p><p><b>COST OF LIVING AND HOUSING AFFORDABILITY</b><br/>\nAs your Congressman, <b>I will support policies to lower our cost of living and fight to ensure everyone can afford to stay in the homes they love within the communities they know. </b>\n</p><p>As a middle-class resident who lives in and proudly serves Silicon Valley, I myself cannot afford to purchase a home in the community I grew up in. Housing supply has not kept pace with demand, resulting in high housing prices, which is why I <b>have helped pass laws in the state legislature that add more housing options at all income levels.</b> In Congress, I’ll advocate for federal-level investments and policies that ensure all of our neighbors can afford a home in our community. I’ll work to facilitate collaboration between all levels of government and the private sector to develop innovative solutions that lower housing costs. I also hope to increase the SALT deduction cap to provide immediate relief for Silicon Valley homeowners. I’ll always fight to protect Social Security and work hard to increase monthly payments to our senior citizens so that those most in need are able to live happily in their golden years.\n</p><p><b>HOMELESSNESS</b><br/>\nAs a State Assemblymember, I’ve supported legislation investing in substance use prevention programs and mental health services, as well as expanding critical supportive housing to help get homeless Californians off our streets and on the pathway to a healthier, safer, and sustainable life.\n</p><p>As your Congressman, I will work on bipartisan legislation to bring federal resources back to Silicon Valley to <b>expand the availability and accessibility of substance use prevention programs, mental healthcare services, and supportive housing that provide local public officials the costly resources needed to get the chronically homeless off our streets.</b> Congress should be able to work together to provide states and local governments significant support that can help us resolve this humanitarian crisis we see unfolding before our eyes daily in all our communities.\n</p><p><b>PUBLIC SAFETY AND GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION</b><br/>\nI am deeply concerned about the rising crime we see within our communities, which is why <b>as a State Assemblymember I have advocated for stronger laws and supported hundreds of millions of dollars in state investments to stop organized criminal activities such as human trafficking and gangs, retail and porch package theft, and child sexual exploitation. </b>\n</p><p>I have also supported efforts to stop the epidemic of gun violence including stronger laws, funding for local gun buyback programs as well as the Firearm Violence Research Center, and I joined the call for a federal constitutional convention to address gun violence. <b>I’m proud of my F- rating from the NRA. </b>\n</p><p>As a State Assemblymember, I authored Assembly Bill 2888 in the wake of the Brock Turner Stanford rape case so that a rape conviction results in a mandatory 3-year sentence, and I authored Assembly Bill 1371 which helps keep child sex offenders away from minors. Additionally, I authored legislation to strengthen social media cyberbullying prevention procedures. \n</p><p><b>I am proud to have been honored as Legislator of the Year by the California Police Chiefs Association for my work as a State Assemblymember supporting public safety in our communities.</b> With my brother also answering the call to public service as a City of San Jose police officer, it is important to me that we do everything we can to support the safety and success of the men and women on the frontline keeping our communities safe.\n</p><p><b>As your Representative in Congress, I will continue my work to uphold the rule of law and advocate for resources to support public safety in our communities</b>, including advocating for national commonsense gun safety laws like universal background checks, closing the boyfriend loophole, reasonable firearm purchase waiting periods, and restricting the purchase of assault weapons and silencers. I will also continue to prioritize innovative ideas to help protect our children from the increasing dangers posed by an ever-shrinking world. \n</p><p><b>HEALTHCARE AFFORDABILITY</b><br/>\nI am a firm believer that access to quality healthcare is a human right. <b>I support achieving universal health care access for all. </b>\n</p><p>While the Affordable Care Act is not perfect, it provided access to healthcare for millions of Californians including many of our most vulnerable community members. As your Congressmember, I will stand strong to protect the gains achieved in the Affordable Care Act including consumer protections for pre-existing conditions and cost-assistance which makes it more affordable for local families to purchase healthcare through Covered California. <b>Ultimately, I would like to work towards the goal of a Medicare for All system to ensure every American can access quality, affordable healthcare.</b>\n</p><p>I will continue to support policies and investments that help bring down the cost of healthcare for families including expanding subsidies to offset monthly premium costs and<b> lowering the cost of prescription drugs.</b>\n</p><p><b>EDUCATION</b><br/>\n<b>As a State Assemblymember and a product of California public schools and colleges, I’ve led the effort to reinvest in public education.</b> Since I was first elected to the State Assembly in 2014, I helped increase per pupil spending from $11,145 per student annually (one of the worst in the country) to over $20,000 per student annually. I am also honored to serve on the Assembly Higher Education Committee, and I have pushed CSU and UC administrators to be accountable to the public by prioritizing expanding available seats for our students at universities and tying funding increases to not raising tuition on families. <b>Education is the cornerstone of our economy and our democracy</b>, and it is the best investment for maintaining Silicon Valley’s global competitive advantage.\n</p><p><b>As your Congressmember, I will push for greater federal investment in public education</b> to increase student achievement and prepare our next generation with the skills they need to succeed.<b> I’ll oppose book bans </b>and attempts to whitewash our nation’s diverse history. \n</p><p><b>TECHNOLOGY, SMALL BUSINESS, AND INNOVATION</b><br/>\n<b>As a founder and Chair of the California Legislative Technology and Innovation Caucus, I strive to embody Silicon Valley's innovative spirit and champion technological advancement for the greater good.</b> In the State Assembly, I’ve collaborated with our largest tech companies and startups alike to expand STEM education, create state incentives for innovation, and take a forward-looking approach to regulating technologies like cryptocurrency and AI. \n</p><p><b>In Congress, I will promote a Silicon Valley “Acceleration Agenda” advocating on market-forward policies that advance emerging technologies including digital currency and artificial intelligence</b>, and supporting a growth-focused tax system. I support a tax structure that encourages investment in US small business, increasing utilization of AI to enhance daily lives for a robust business and innovation economy while preserving human centered control, and increasing R&amp;D (Research and Development) tax credits in life sciences and manufacturing. I also support immigration reform to increase the cap on visas for skilled technologists and increasing federal funding for broadband access. \n</p><p>Our district has benefited greatly from the growth of the internet and the entrepreneurial spirit that made Silicon Valley the world’s leader in technology. As a member of Congress, I will work to make sure that innovation in crypto and digital assets can continue to create well-paying jobs in our district. But the status quo securities laws from 1933 are not fit to regulate 21st century technologies. It's time for clear rules of the road. If Congress does not act, more and more Americans will be exposed to the risks of offshore and unregulated entities like FTX. \n</p><p>Blockchain technology and its applications are ushering in the next generation of the internet, allowing Americans to own their data, create wealth, and be stakeholders in the digital spaces of the future. The United States must lead the development of crypto and blockchain technology in the 21st century, rather than countries like Russia and China. As a member of Congress, I will work to make sure the United States has regulatory frameworks in place that allow American values to define the future of the global financial system, while protecting everyday consumers and ensuring no American is left behind. Crypto promises to deliver more equitable and efficient financial services, including for unbanked Americans, and we need regulations that protect consumers while not blocking innovation with overzealous regulation so that crypto can benefit the people who need it most. Congress must act to address gaps in the oversight of digital assets, such as defining what makes a digital asset a security or a commodity. We will continue to see jobs and innovation move overseas, if Congress does not act to create a clear regulatory framework for digital assets.\n</p><p><b>STOPPING HATE AND PROTECTING OUR DEMOCRACY</b><br/>\nSince the election of Donald Trump as President in 2016, we have seen a dramatic increase in hate crimes and speech, as well as a very troubling rise in violent and authoritarian political ideology in our country. <b>In Washington, I will stand strong against MAGA extremism, never stop defending our constitutional democracy, and always work to combat hate as I have throughout my time in the state legislature. </b>\n</p><p>As a State Assemblymember and Chair of the California Asian American &amp; Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus, I have fought successfully to increase resources to combat the rise in anti-Asian hate, antisemitism, homophobia, Islamophobia, and xenophobia, and other forms of hate, including securing over $200 million in investments to support victim services, violence prevention measures, and educational achievement programs. I have also worked with district attorneys and law enforcement to provide them with additional legal tools to more accurately identify individuals who commit hate crimes, and I have advocated for stronger laws that allow our courts to hold accountable individuals who commit hate crimes and provide justice for victims of hate crimes. I proudly sponsored the bipartisan Assembly Bill 1064 to increase the penalty for hate crimes and allow the introduction of racial bias-related evidence during trials in California, because racism and hate have no place here or anywhere. <b>In Congress, I’ll work to strengthen hate crime protections at the federal level.</b>\n</p><p>Last year, I organized a group of 11 of my legislative colleagues to write a letter to the Attorney General of California asking that he seek the opinion of the courts as to whether or not Donald Trump is eligible to run for public office again because of his violation of the 14th Amendment of the United States Constitution which clearly states you cannot have taken an oath to support the U.S. Constitution and then participated in an insurrection against our country as we all witnessed him do on January 6, 2021. <b>I am hopeful that the United States Supreme Court will ultimately uphold the rule of law and our Constitution by removing Donald Trump’s eligibility to appear on the ballot, as I opined in a Mercury News opinion last September. </b>I will always prioritize protecting our democracy from right-wing attacks in Congress.\n</p><p><b>MARRIAGE EQUALITY AND LGBTQ+ RIGHTS</b><br/>\n<b>As a gay man and your State Assemblymember, I have fought to ensure that everyone is able to love who they love</b> without interference from the government and stop draconian laws and practices unfairly targeting the LGBTQ+ community.\n</p><p><b>I am proud to have authored Assembly Constitutional Amendment 5, which will give California voters the opportunity to remove the homophobic language restricting same-sex marriage put in our State Constitution by Proposition 8</b> in 2008. This initiative will enshrine marriage equality and religious freedom for all Californians moving forward and make sure that if the Supreme Court of the United States reverses itself on marriage equality, all California marriages will be protected.\n</p><p>Additionally, one of my projects as a State Assemblymember has been to eradicate the harmful anti-LGBTQ+ stigma at the core of so-called “conversion therapy.” I worked across the aisle to earn support from Republican legislators and recruited religious leaders into our coalition effort to pass a ban against conversion therapy in California. I helped center the voices of survivors who have fallen victim to these non-scientific therapies that have torn apart families and had significant consequences on their mental health and wellbeing. I fully plan to continue this fight in Congress and build consensus across the aisle that will be critical in making this proposal a law.\n</p><p><b>CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT</b><br/>\n<b>Climate change significantly threatens our planet, impacting weather patterns, sea levels, and ecosystems.</b> I have always advocated for a shift towards renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and decrease carbon emissions. In the State Assembly, I supported the climate package which appropriated $54 billion dollars over 6 years for fighting climate change, along with other bills including SB 261 which requires large companies in California to submit annual reports on their climate-related financial risk and AB 1082 and 1083 to expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure. \n</p><p><b>There is no silver bullet piece of legislation when it comes to tackling our climate challenges, which means we must take a multifaceted approach building upon our record in California and the steps forward made by the Inflation Reduction Act. </b>Since Silicon Valley is the technological epicenter, it is imperative that we harness its potential to combat climate change. AI can analyze vast amounts of data, such as weather patterns, vegetation health, and historical fire data, to predict the risk of wildfires, monitor air quality in real-time, detect pollution sources, and develop strategies to reduce emissions. This can lead to improved air quality and public health. I also believe carbon removal technologies must be part of our strategy to address climate change. I’m not alone - The Biden Administration and our very own California Air Resources Board (CARB) acknowledge that it will have to be part of the solution.<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-quotedisclaimer_13-0\"><a href=\"#cite_note-quotedisclaimer-13\">[13]</a></sup>\n</p>\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; color: #B2B7F2; font-size: 35px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: right; padding: 10px 1px;\" valign=\"bottom\" width=\"20\">”\n</td></tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"cquotecite\" colspan=\"3\" style=\"border: none; padding-right: 4%\"><cite style=\"font-style: normal;font-size: smaller; float: right;\">—Evan Low’s campaign website (2024)<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-14\"><a href=\"#cite_note-14\">[14]</a></sup></cite>\n</td></tr></tbody></table>\n</div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"></div>\n<p>Evan Low did not complete <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's 2022 Candidate Connection</a> survey.\n</p>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"></div>\n<p>Evan Low did not complete <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's 2020 Candidate Connection</a> survey.\n</p>", "answer_text": "Low’s campaign website stated the following:\n“ PRIORITIES I imagine a world with Trump as president again and it motivates me to protect the values that enabled me and so many members of our community to thrive here. In the State Assembly, the Sacramento Bee named me “California’s Most Prolific Lawmaker” for my record of passing bills to protect abortion rights, fight Trump’s hate, and lower our costs of living. Now, I’m running to take the fight to Congress. ABORTION RIGHTS I will be a steadfast defender of a woman's right to choose because I believe it is a private healthcare decision she should make between her doctor, her family and herself. In the State Assembly, I proudly coauthored Proposition 1, which enshrined abortion rights in our California constitution. I’m deeply honored to be the only candidate in this race with a 100% score from Planned Parenthood California this year. I know that as your representative, it is critical that I stand with women to defend privacy in healthcare decisions and ensure accessible, quality reproductive healthcare for all. At a time when the anti-abortion extremists who hold a narrow majority in the House are pushing a national abortion ban, I’m running for Congress to keep standing up for reproductive freedom. I’ll oppose all attempts by MAGA Republicans to pass a national abortion ban, and I’ll fight to pass the reproductive freedoms of Roe into law. COST OF LIVING AND HOUSING AFFORDABILITY As your Congressman, I will support policies to lower our cost of living and fight to ensure everyone can afford to stay in the homes they love within the communities they know. As a middle-class resident who lives in and proudly serves Silicon Valley, I myself cannot afford to purchase a home in the community I grew up in. Housing supply has not kept pace with demand, resulting in high housing prices, which is why I have helped pass laws in the state legislature that add more housing options at all income levels. In Congress, I’ll advocate for federal-level investments and policies that ensure all of our neighbors can afford a home in our community. I’ll work to facilitate collaboration between all levels of government and the private sector to develop innovative solutions that lower housing costs. I also hope to increase the SALT deduction cap to provide immediate relief for Silicon Valley homeowners. I’ll always fight to protect Social Security and work hard to increase monthly payments to our senior citizens so that those most in need are able to live happily in their golden years. HOMELESSNESS As a State Assemblymember, I’ve supported legislation investing in substance use prevention programs and mental health services, as well as expanding critical supportive housing to help get homeless Californians off our streets and on the pathway to a healthier, safer, and sustainable life. As your Congressman, I will work on bipartisan legislation to bring federal resources back to Silicon Valley to expand the availability and accessibility of substance use prevention programs, mental healthcare services, and supportive housing that provide local public officials the costly resources needed to get the chronically homeless off our streets. Congress should be able to work together to provide states and local governments significant support that can help us resolve this humanitarian crisis we see unfolding before our eyes daily in all our communities. PUBLIC SAFETY AND GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION I am deeply concerned about the rising crime we see within our communities, which is why as a State Assemblymember I have advocated for stronger laws and supported hundreds of millions of dollars in state investments to stop organized criminal activities such as human trafficking and gangs, retail and porch package theft, and child sexual exploitation. I have also supported efforts to stop the epidemic of gun violence including stronger laws, funding for local gun buyback programs as well as the Firearm Violence Research Center, and I joined the call for a federal constitutional convention to address gun violence. I’m proud of my F- rating from the NRA. As a State Assemblymember, I authored Assembly Bill 2888 in the wake of the Brock Turner Stanford rape case so that a rape conviction results in a mandatory 3-year sentence, and I authored Assembly Bill 1371 which helps keep child sex offenders away from minors. Additionally, I authored legislation to strengthen social media cyberbullying prevention procedures. I am proud to have been honored as Legislator of the Year by the California Police Chiefs Association for my work as a State Assemblymember supporting public safety in our communities. With my brother also answering the call to public service as a City of San Jose police officer, it is important to me that we do everything we can to support the safety and success of the men and women on the frontline keeping our communities safe. As your Representative in Congress, I will continue my work to uphold the rule of law and advocate for resources to support public safety in our communities , including advocating for national commonsense gun safety laws like universal background checks, closing the boyfriend loophole, reasonable firearm purchase waiting periods, and restricting the purchase of assault weapons and silencers. I will also continue to prioritize innovative ideas to help protect our children from the increasing dangers posed by an ever-shrinking world. HEALTHCARE AFFORDABILITY I am a firm believer that access to quality healthcare is a human right. I support achieving universal health care access for all. While the Affordable Care Act is not perfect, it provided access to healthcare for millions of Californians including many of our most vulnerable community members. As your Congressmember, I will stand strong to protect the gains achieved in the Affordable Care Act including consumer protections for pre-existing conditions and cost-assistance which makes it more affordable for local families to purchase healthcare through Covered California. Ultimately, I would like to work towards the goal of a Medicare for All system to ensure every American can access quality, affordable healthcare. I will continue to support policies and investments that help bring down the cost of healthcare for families including expanding subsidies to offset monthly premium costs and lowering the cost of prescription drugs. EDUCATION As a State Assemblymember and a product of California public schools and colleges, I’ve led the effort to reinvest in public education. Since I was first elected to the State Assembly in 2014, I helped increase per pupil spending from $11,145 per student annually (one of the worst in the country) to over $20,000 per student annually. I am also honored to serve on the Assembly Higher Education Committee, and I have pushed CSU and UC administrators to be accountable to the public by prioritizing expanding available seats for our students at universities and tying funding increases to not raising tuition on families. Education is the cornerstone of our economy and our democracy , and it is the best investment for maintaining Silicon Valley’s global competitive advantage. As your Congressmember, I will push for greater federal investment in public education to increase student achievement and prepare our next generation with the skills they need to succeed. I’ll oppose book bans and attempts to whitewash our nation’s diverse history. TECHNOLOGY, SMALL BUSINESS, AND INNOVATION As a founder and Chair of the California Legislative Technology and Innovation Caucus, I strive to embody Silicon Valley's innovative spirit and champion technological advancement for the greater good. In the State Assembly, I’ve collaborated with our largest tech companies and startups alike to expand STEM education, create state incentives for innovation, and take a forward-looking approach to regulating technologies like cryptocurrency and AI. In Congress, I will promote a Silicon Valley “Acceleration Agenda” advocating on market-forward policies that advance emerging technologies including digital currency and artificial intelligence , and supporting a growth-focused tax system. I support a tax structure that encourages investment in US small business, increasing utilization of AI to enhance daily lives for a robust business and innovation economy while preserving human centered control, and increasing R&D (Research and Development) tax credits in life sciences and manufacturing. I also support immigration reform to increase the cap on visas for skilled technologists and increasing federal funding for broadband access. Our district has benefited greatly from the growth of the internet and the entrepreneurial spirit that made Silicon Valley the world’s leader in technology. As a member of Congress, I will work to make sure that innovation in crypto and digital assets can continue to create well-paying jobs in our district. But the status quo securities laws from 1933 are not fit to regulate 21st century technologies. It's time for clear rules of the road. If Congress does not act, more and more Americans will be exposed to the risks of offshore and unregulated entities like FTX. Blockchain technology and its applications are ushering in the next generation of the internet, allowing Americans to own their data, create wealth, and be stakeholders in the digital spaces of the future. The United States must lead the development of crypto and blockchain technology in the 21st century, rather than countries like Russia and China. As a member of Congress, I will work to make sure the United States has regulatory frameworks in place that allow American values to define the future of the global financial system, while protecting everyday consumers and ensuring no American is left behind. Crypto promises to deliver more equitable and efficient financial services, including for unbanked Americans, and we need regulations that protect consumers while not blocking innovation with overzealous regulation so that crypto can benefit the people who need it most. Congress must act to address gaps in the oversight of digital assets, such as defining what makes a digital asset a security or a commodity. We will continue to see jobs and innovation move overseas, if Congress does not act to create a clear regulatory framework for digital assets. STOPPING HATE AND PROTECTING OUR DEMOCRACY Since the election of Donald Trump as President in 2016, we have seen a dramatic increase in hate crimes and speech, as well as a very troubling rise in violent and authoritarian political ideology in our country. In Washington, I will stand strong against MAGA extremism, never stop defending our constitutional democracy, and always work to combat hate as I have throughout my time in the state legislature. As a State Assemblymember and Chair of the California Asian American & Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus, I have fought successfully to increase resources to combat the rise in anti-Asian hate, antisemitism, homophobia, Islamophobia, and xenophobia, and other forms of hate, including securing over $200 million in investments to support victim services, violence prevention measures, and educational achievement programs. I have also worked with district attorneys and law enforcement to provide them with additional legal tools to more accurately identify individuals who commit hate crimes, and I have advocated for stronger laws that allow our courts to hold accountable individuals who commit hate crimes and provide justice for victims of hate crimes. I proudly sponsored the bipartisan Assembly Bill 1064 to increase the penalty for hate crimes and allow the introduction of racial bias-related evidence during trials in California, because racism and hate have no place here or anywhere. In Congress, I’ll work to strengthen hate crime protections at the federal level. Last year, I organized a group of 11 of my legislative colleagues to write a letter to the Attorney General of California asking that he seek the opinion of the courts as to whether or not Donald Trump is eligible to run for public office again because of his violation of the 14th Amendment of the United States Constitution which clearly states you cannot have taken an oath to support the U.S. Constitution and then participated in an insurrection against our country as we all witnessed him do on January 6, 2021. I am hopeful that the United States Supreme Court will ultimately uphold the rule of law and our Constitution by removing Donald Trump’s eligibility to appear on the ballot, as I opined in a Mercury News opinion last September. I will always prioritize protecting our democracy from right-wing attacks in Congress. MARRIAGE EQUALITY AND LGBTQ+ RIGHTS As a gay man and your State Assemblymember, I have fought to ensure that everyone is able to love who they love without interference from the government and stop draconian laws and practices unfairly targeting the LGBTQ+ community. I am proud to have authored Assembly Constitutional Amendment 5, which will give California voters the opportunity to remove the homophobic language restricting same-sex marriage put in our State Constitution by Proposition 8 in 2008. This initiative will enshrine marriage equality and religious freedom for all Californians moving forward and make sure that if the Supreme Court of the United States reverses itself on marriage equality, all California marriages will be protected. Additionally, one of my projects as a State Assemblymember has been to eradicate the harmful anti-LGBTQ+ stigma at the core of so-called “conversion therapy.” I worked across the aisle to earn support from Republican legislators and recruited religious leaders into our coalition effort to pass a ban against conversion therapy in California. I helped center the voices of survivors who have fallen victim to these non-scientific therapies that have torn apart families and had significant consequences on their mental health and wellbeing. I fully plan to continue this fight in Congress and build consensus across the aisle that will be critical in making this proposal a law. CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT Climate change significantly threatens our planet, impacting weather patterns, sea levels, and ecosystems. I have always advocated for a shift towards renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and decrease carbon emissions. In the State Assembly, I supported the climate package which appropriated $54 billion dollars over 6 years for fighting climate change, along with other bills including SB 261 which requires large companies in California to submit annual reports on their climate-related financial risk and AB 1082 and 1083 to expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure. There is no silver bullet piece of legislation when it comes to tackling our climate challenges, which means we must take a multifaceted approach building upon our record in California and the steps forward made by the Inflation Reduction Act. Since Silicon Valley is the technological epicenter, it is imperative that we harness its potential to combat climate change. AI can analyze vast amounts of data, such as weather patterns, vegetation health, and historical fire data, to predict the risk of wildfires, monitor air quality in real-time, detect pollution sources, and develop strategies to reduce emissions. This can lead to improved air quality and public health. I also believe carbon removal technologies must be part of our strategy to address climate change. I’m not alone - The Biden Administration and our very own California Air Resources Board (CARB) acknowledge that it will have to be part of the solution. [13] ” —Evan Low’s campaign website (2024) [14]\n\nEvan Low did not complete Ballotpedia's 2022 Candidate Connection survey.\n\nEvan Low did not complete Ballotpedia's 2020 Candidate Connection survey."}]