Signs supporting Tara Sreekrishnan lined the lawn beside PepperMint, an Indian restaurant in Sunnyvale. Inside, Sreekrishnan greeted dozens of supporters who helped themselves to a mouthwatering array of noodles, curries and other cuisines.
The people who entered came from all different backgrounds and communities. In one corner was a group of Korean Americans showing their support for a fellow Asian candidate. In another was an ophthalmologist with the Santa Clara County Medical Association, who said Sreekrishnan will champion health care advocacy in the state Legislature.
The diversity of support backing Sreekrishnan’s campaign for Assembly District 26 makes her excited and honored.
“I think the diversity of this (support) reflects the diversity of this community,” she told San José Spotlight. “(It) reflects my campaign and what we’re fighting for.”
Sreekrishnan, 31, currently serves as state Sen. Dave Cortese’s deputy chief of staff and legislative director, as well as a trustee on the Santa Clara County Board of Education. She was the first Indian American to be elected to the board — and would be the first Hindu woman elected to the state Assembly if she wins in November. She’s running against Patrick Ahrens, district director for current District 26 Assemblymember Evan Low who is running for Congress. The district includes Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, Cupertino and parts of West San Jose and Alviso.