Dr. Darshana R. Patel Takes Oath as 76th District Assemblymember

SACRAMENTO, CA - Today, Dr. Darshana R. Patel (D-San Diego) officially took the oath of office as the newly elected State Assemblymember for California's 76th Assembly District. The district spans diverse communities, including the cities of Escondido, San Marcos, and San Diego, as well as the unincorporated areas of Del Dios, Elfin Forest, Fairbanks Ranch, Harmony Grove, Lake San Marcos, and Rancho Santa Fe.

"I am deeply honored to represent the 76th District in the State Assembly, and eager to get to work for the people I serve," said Assemblymember Dr. Patel. "I am taking the oath of office determined to deliver results for the residents who sent me here, and grateful for the opportunity to make a difference."

Assemblymember Dr. Patel is the daughter of immigrants; she experienced firsthand the challenges of building a new life in California. Her journey was marked by tragedy at an early age when she lost her mother at 14-a loss that inspired her pursuit of medical and health research. After earning a B.A. in Biochemistry from Occidental College and a Ph.D. in Biophysics from the University of California, Irvine, she launched a successful career in biotechnology research before transitioning to community leadership.

Prior to her election to the State Assembly, Dr. Patel served as School Board President for the Poway Unified School District. Beyond her local district, Dr. Patel served as President of the San Diego County School Boards Association and on the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs, where she championed policies to promote inclusion and opportunity. She has also contributed to public safety as a member of the San Diego Police Department Northeastern Division Captain's Advisory Board and has held leadership roles on the Rancho Peñasquitos Planning Board and Town Council.

In the Assembly, Assemblymember Dr. Patel will prioritize keeping communities safe, advance reproductive freedom, enhance education resources by increasing funding, expand healthcare access, and address homelessness.