East Bay Councilmember Launches Bid For Legislature

CASTRO VALLEY, CA — Castro Valley will get a new representative at the California capitol.

Assemblymember Bill Quirk announced last month that he will not seek reelection, prompting a scramble to replace him in Sacramento. The latest entry into the race is Dublin Councilmember Shawn Kumagai who announced this week that he plans run for Assembly District 20.

Kumagai became Dublin's first openly gay councilmember when he was elected in 2018. His current term expires December 2022.

He touted his experience serving in the U.S. Navy for two decades and as the district director for Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, who represents neighboring Assembly District 16.

Kumagai's priorities include health care, child care and making housing more affordable and accessible, he said Tuesday in an email to supporters.

"I believe that it's more important than ever for Alameda County to have the strongest possible voice in Sacramento who understands what we are going through — who lives it every day, like you — and has the experience to actually do something about it," he said.

Kumagai moved to Dublin after the death of his mother, which spurred him to become his younger brother's legal guardian, he said.

"I struggled to find a home that we could afford while still covering the costs of health care and education," he said. "I experienced the affordable housing shortage firsthand. That’s why I’ve made fighting the affordability crisis my number one priority."

Kumagai joins a growing field of candidates vying for the seat to be vacated by Quirk, who said in December that he will not seek re-election in 2022 for another two-year term after a 10-year legislative career. He said he plans to work full time to address climate change.

The district encompasses nearly a third of Alameda County's population, including all of Ashland, Castro Valley, Cherryland, Fairview, Hayward, San Lorenzo, Sunol and Union City. It also includes about half of Fremont, some of unincorporated Alameda County and 20 voters in Pleasanton.

Other candidates looking to replace Quirk include Jennifer Esteen, Shay Franco Clausen and Liz Ortega.

Kumagai said he is the only candidate with political experience in the race. He also noted that he is the son of a first-generation Japanese immigrant and the only Asian American running to represent the district.

Learn more about his campaign.

Correction: A previous version of this article misstated Kumagai's current position with the city of Dublin.