Chris Holden

Christopher Holden (born July 19, 1960) is an American politician currently serving in the California State Assembly since 2012. He is a Democrat representing the 41st district, in its new location encompassing the northern San Gabriel Valley and the San Gabriel Mountains in Southern California. He was appointed Assistant Majority Floor Leader of the Assembly in 2014. He is a member of the California Legislative Black Caucus. Holden is the son of Los Angeles politician Nate Holden.

History

Prior to being elected to the state assembly, Holden was a Pasadena city council member, and a former mayor of the city, serving from 1997 to 1999. He is the second longest-serving city councilmember in the city's history, having served since 1989.

Holden is an alumnus of Pasadena High School and San Diego State University. He first ran for seat 3 of the Pasadena City Council in 1985, but lost narrowly to incumbent Loretta Thompson-Glickman. He was elected four years later, and was appointed Mayor in 1997. During his term, the City charter was revised to allow for open election of the mayor. However, in the first citywide mayoral election, Holden was defeated by former Councilmember and former Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard.