Patrick Ahrens


Patrick Ahrens is an American politician who is a member of the California State Assembly for the California's 26th [State Assembly district|26th district] since 2024. A Democrat, he served on the Foothill–De Anza [Community College District] Board of Trustees and as a district director for Evan Low.

Early life and education

Ahrens grew up in household that struggled with substance abuse and he experienced homelessness while attending college. Ahrens was the first person in his family to attend college, graduating with an associate degree from De Anza College, a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of California Los Angeles, and a Master of Public Administration from San Jose State University.

Career

Ahrens worked for U.S. Representative Janice Hahn in Washington, D.C., where he met Evan Low. He would go on to serve as a district director for Low.
He was first elected to the Foothill-De Anza Community College District Board of Trustees in 2018 and selected as president of the board on December 13, 2021.

California State Assembly

Ahrens ran for the California State Assembly in the California's [26th State Assembly district|26th district] in 2024 [California State Assembly election|2024] to succeed incumbent Evan Low, who ran for the U.S. [House of Representatives]. He advanced to the general election with fellow Democrat Tara Sreekrishnan, a Santa Clara County School Board Trustee and legislative staffer to state Senator Dave Cortese. The race attracted $3.7 million in outside spending including $2 million boosting Ahrens. Ahrens defeated Sreekrishnan receiving 56% of votes cast compared to her 44% of votes cast in the general election.

Personal life

Ahrens had a twin brother, Sean, who died of cancer.

Electoral history