As the daughter of immigrants who struggled to realize the American Dream, I know the challenges that families can face during hard times. If not for great public school teachers and college scholarships I would not be where I am today.
I am running for State Assembly because I want to make sure that every person has the opportunity to succeed and thrive, and because I can use my experience as a scientist, elected school board member, community leader, and a mom to make a difference in their lives. In the State Assembly, I’ll fight for our communities.
-Darshana
AFFORDABILITY
No one should have to choose which basic necessities to meet every day. Our communities have faced rising prices for everything from housing and healthcare to college and transportation. In the State Assembly, I will work to bring down the cost of living in our region and help working families make ends meet.
EDUCATION
As a School Board President, a mom of three public school students, and a proud product of public education, I am deeply committed to ensuring that every child receives a great education and the skills they need for college, life, and a career. I support increasing funding for our K-12 schools and public colleges and universities. I believe that public education is the cornerstone of a prosperous and equitable society, and I will work to empower California’s students, educators, and parents.
EMPLOYMENT
Our economy thrives when workers can find high-paying jobs that offer long-term stability and the opportunity to advance. I am dedicated to fostering an environment that promotes job creation and economic growth by investing in the infrastructure that entrepreneurs and small businesses need to succeed. I will use my experience as a biomedical research scientist to ensure that our region remains a hub of the cutting edge research investment and enterprises.
ENVIRONMENT
Our region suffers from drought and wildfires that are worsening every year. The climate is changing rapidly, and we have to act with urgency to protect our planet for future generations. I will advocate for bold policies that prioritize diversified renewable energy, investment in sustainable infrastructure, long-term water capture and storage capacity, and conservation to lead California’s transition towards a greener and more resilient future.
GUN VIOLENCE
By every measure, mass shootings have become more frequent and deadly in recent years, and they show no signs of stopping. For the first time, firearms have become the leading cause of death for America’s children. In the State Assembly, I will fight for common-sense gun safety measures, including comprehensive background checks, closing loopholes, and rigorous enforcement of our gun laws to protect the safety and well-being of our communities.
HEALTH CARE
I was drawn to medical and health research because I believe that we have to do more to help people facing a life-changing diagnosis or a life-threatening illness. Affordable, quality healthcare is a fundamental right for every person. I will fight to expand healthcare coverage, lower prescription drug prices, and invest in community health centers to ensure that all Californians have the care they need to thrive and live healthy lives.
HOMELESSNESS
Rising homelessness is a crisis that continues to grow because the root causes have not been adequately addressed. California desperately needs to invest in these key areas: mental health infrastructure, addiction treatment, support for seniors and people with disabilities, and affordable housing. In the State Assembly, I will fight for state investment in these critical areas to get people housing and the help they need.
HOUSING
Housing prices are continuing to rise to unprecedented levels across California, and in our region in particular. High housing costs put a burden on working people, force people out of their communities, and contribute to the homelessness crisis. I’ll work to clear obstacles to building affordable housing.
PARKS & OPEN SPACE
Our open spaces help make our region beautiful, and our parks make it a great place to grow up. I am committed to preserving our parks and open spaces and investing in the infrastructure necessary to help everyone enjoy them.
REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS
I firmly support a person’s right to access safe and legal abortion care. I will champion policies that protect reproductive rights, advocate for the expansion of reproductive healthcare services, and work tirelessly to ensure that individuals have the freedom to make decisions about their own bodies and reproductive futures without interference or judgment.
TRANSPORTATION
Freeway traffic in San Diego County gets worse every year because infrastructure investment is decades behind demand. I’ll work to add and repair public transportation infrastructure including our bridges, roads, buses, light rail, and commuter rail.
