Meet Alison Madden, Candidate For Peninsula Assembly Seat

SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA — Alison Madden, an attorney and Redwood City resident, is running to represent the 21st Assembly District, a redrawn district held by the outgoing Kevin Mullin (D-South San Francisco).

In a game of local political musical chairs, the seat is open after Kevin Mullin (D-South San Francisco) announced he wouldn’t seek reelection and instead run to represent the area in Congress, with Jackie Speier (D-San Mateo) stepping away from her seat after this year.

The redrawn district is similar to what was referred to previously as the 22nd District, stretching from South San Francisco to East Palo Alto.

The moves mean a majority of the Peninsula will have fresh representation in both the state Assembly and Congress for the first time in more than a decade, as Mullin has held the seat since 2012.

Madden is one of seven candidates running for the open seat. The primary is June 7, narrowing the field to two candidates before the Nov. 8 general election.

Learn more about Madden and her goals for the district as voters cast their ballots before and on Election Day June 7th in the following exclusive Q&A with Patch.

Age (as of Election Day)

58

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Family

Single working mom, raised a millennial 26 year-old boy and Gen-Z 22-year-old boy. I'm proud of them. They are well-rounded — musicians, artists and work in the trades.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

JD Hastings College of Law (honors & distinction); Dual degree St. Louis University (Journalism/French) Jesuit University in St. Louis MO

Occupation

Attorney, nearly three decades

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

No official office held, but very public, visible, vocal housing and tenant and judicial reform advocate, impact litigation in own law practice

Campaign website

www.maddenforassembly.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

Working families need representation, the "money primary" and system (as coined by Larry Lessig, Silicon Valley professor and democracy reformer) has blocked nearly all action that assists the ordinary working person (including myself).

We need bold, immediate and flexible housing and climate action. We need desperately reform in eviction and criminal justice, both overly-long delayed. We need assistance for addiction and dependency to end homelessness and poverty. I would work nonstop for all underserved demographics.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I have a cross-section that includes what all the others offer: I have founded and operated a nonprofit, I have been a vocal advocate for housing and reform and know what needs to be done, I have legal experience as a businesswoman advising the tech C suite, as well as litigating (I won the Docktown case, the relocation act does apply and the evictions must be dismissed).

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Work to repeal Article 34 (banning public building of affordable homes) of the state constitution, reinstate redevelopment (also public funding of construction projects), create green jobs and incentives for e-bikes and e-cars, public bank, health care option and utilities, safe schools, with teacher pay increased.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I have advised the C suite of serial tech companies, all bought by Fortune 100 companies. These were inventors, innovators, builders of tech solutions and companies.

I have raised 2 well adjusted children who participated in sports, music and service activities, in which I was always a leader (Little League Commissioner and Board Member, Scouts adult leader, Woodside Elementary School activities).

I have started and run a nonprofit advocating for flexible, affordable housing and we just won our Docktown suit, that the California Relocation Act applies and must be followed.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Life isn't fair but act as if it is. And "play to your strengths. Focus on people who support you, not take you down.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I have shown up powerfully for the community and children for three decades as a single working mom and businesswoman/lawyer. I am 100 percent free and ready to lead in Sacramento for working families and individuals.

I am a fresh, creative, flexible and independent thinker, but work well with others (my Dad was conservative, my mom a liberal Democrat. They never fought, we all respected each other).

I am second-generation Irish. My dad's both parents came from Ireland's west coast, and our family supports immigrant rights. America is not out of opportunity. My dad and his parents were desperately poor and all the kids went to college.

I want this American Dream to be passed down to every generation. I support a hand-out (an extended hand, with support) and a hand-up. It is ALWAYS repaid.