Venture capitalist Josh Becker, who in 2010 challenged Rich Gordon for a seat in the State Assembly, has joined the crowd of candidates now vying to replace Gordon in Sacramento.
Becker, a Menlo Park resident whose past campaign focused on innovation and job growth, will compete with a field of candidates that includes Palo Alto Councilman Marc Berman, Mountain View Councilman Mike Kasperzak, Cupertino Mayor Barry Chang, Menlo Park Councilman Peter Ohtaki and patent attorney Vicky Veenker.
Much like Veenker, Becker has a long history in the high-tech sector, having co-founded the venture-capital firm New Cycle Capital and the nonprofit collaborative Full Circle Fund. He earned his MBA and law degree from Stanford University, where he co-founded the Stanford Board of Fellows program, which focuses on training students to participate in civic causes.
According to his campaign page, Becker has already received the endorsements of Palo Alto Mayor Pat Burt and Councilman Tom DuBois. Former Palo Alto mayor Judy Kleinberg, who currently heads the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce, has also endorsed Becker's nascent campaign, as have East Palo Alto Councilman Larry Moody, Menlo Park Councilman Ray Mueller and Atherton Mayor Rick DeGolia.
In his 2010 bid, Becker finished second to Gordon in a three-way race that also included former Palo Alto Mayor Yoriko Kishimoto. While Gordon won with 38 percent of the vote, Becker received 33 percent and Kishimoto received 28 percent.
In an email blast earlier this month, Becker said his "experience as a social entrepreneur bringing creative solutions to big public problems uniquely qualifies me to go to Sacramento and tackle big issues like climate change, education and economic opportunity."
The candidates are looking to replace the termed-out Gordon in the 24th Assembly District, which includes large portions of San Mateo and Santa Clara counties, including the cities of Palo Alto, East Palo Alto, Atherton, Menlo Park, Mountain View and Sunnyvale.
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Comments
Downtown North
on Feb 16, 2016 at 8:38 pm
on Feb 16, 2016 at 8:38 pm
In the last election, Becker declared himself a High Speed Rail Supporter. Parroting the party line for Jerry.
I think the CA HSR project is a fraud, a politically driven financial disaster. Having actually read the ballot initiative in 2008, I did not support it then, and don't support it now. There are literally a hundred billion other things that money could be better spent on than Jerry's failing legacy project.
Sorry Becker, cheering for HSR wins a no vote from me. Perhaps you have changed your views on the project since the last election?
Community Center
on Feb 17, 2016 at 12:43 am
on Feb 17, 2016 at 12:43 am
Being endorsed by Judy Kleinberg and Pat Burt is not much of a recommendation. I see he's a Venture Capitalist.
ok, I get it.
Midtown
on Feb 17, 2016 at 6:44 am
on Feb 17, 2016 at 6:44 am
Josh Becker supports High Speed Rail, which shows a lack of judgement on his part, so I won't consider him. How can a so called "venture capitalist" support a project which is so financially and operationally flawed? as a "Venture Capitalist" why doesn't he invest his firm's money into High Speed Rail if he supports it?
College Terrace
on Mar 14, 2016 at 2:10 am
on Mar 14, 2016 at 2:10 am
[Post removed.]