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Darshana Patel
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Darshana Ramesh Patel (born 1974) is an American scientist and politician serving as a member of the California State Assembly for the 76th district since 2024.[1] A member of the Democratic Party, she previously served as President of the Poway Unified School District and as a commissioner of the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs.
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Early life, education, and career
Patel was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Gujarati parents from India. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in biochemistry with a minor in religious studies from Occidental College and a Ph.D. in biophysics from University of California, Irvine.[2][3][4]
Patel previously worked in oncology research at Genentech, where she researched new methods of cancer treatment and delivering chemotherapy.[5]
California Assembly
Patel was elected to the California State Assembly in 2024, defeating Republican Kristie Bruce-Lane.[6] She is the first Hindu woman to serve in the California State Legislature.[7]
In March 2025, Patel introduced a bill to close a loophole which made threats only illegal if they target specific individuals thus preventing the prosecution of threats made against institutions such as schools, places of worship, or medical facilities.[8] In June, Patel and Ash Kalra's bill to make Diwali a new state public holiday passed the assembly unanimously.[9]
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Personal life
Patel lives in the Rancho Peñasquitos community of San Diego with her husband and three daughters.
Electoral history
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References
External links
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