Evan Low, a fourth-generation Chinese American from California, has cultivated a close-knit relationship with his family, who have always supported his choices. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Low has deep roots in the Chinese community. He made headlines by breaking records as the youngest Chinese American elected official, serving as a city council member and mayor of Campbell before stepping into the California State Assembly. This year, at just over 40 years old, he is running for the U.S. House of Representatives in California’s 16th District, aiming to become one of the new generation of Asian American political representatives.
Despite his remarkable political journey, Low’s father, an ophthalmologist, initially desired a more traditional and stable career path for his son, hoping he would become an engineer, lawyer, or doctor—aspirations that are common in many Chinese families. In addition to his father’s professional background, Robert Low is a leader in the San Jose Chamber of Commerce. Growing up, Evan actively participated in community events, which served as a catalyst for his passion for public service. He believes local government plays a crucial role in shaping community dynamics.
Low’s path diverged from the stable future his father envisioned when he became the first Asian American elected to the Campbell City Council in 2006. By 2009, he made history again as the youngest Asian American mayor in the nation, progressing to the California Assembly in 2014 as the youngest Asian American Assemblymember.
Even as a fourth-generation American, Low often encounters the question, “Where are you really from?” This inquiry persists despite his lifelong ties to the Bay Area, serving as a reminder of how he is sometimes perceived as an outsider based on his appearance and ethnicity.
His father, Robert, also chairs the Chinese Historical and Cultural Project, an organization dedicated to preserving the history and culture of Silicon Valley’s Chinatown. This involvement has given Evan a profound understanding of the importance of Chinese culture and community connections. He is acutely aware of historical injustices faced by Chinese Americans in the Bay Area, such as the destruction of five Chinatowns by the San Jose City Council, the Chinese Exclusion Act, and recent incidents of anti-Asian violence. These experiences fuel his commitment to advocacy for the Asian American community.
Evan is dedicated to preserving Chinese culture, which is reflected in his family’s adherence to traditional practices and festivals. At home, Cantonese is spoken, and they celebrate Lunar New Year with vibrant red garments, red envelopes, and festive family dinners. Drawing from his cultural roots, Evan worked to raise awareness about Lunar New Year, submitting a bill to the Assembly in 2022 to recognize it as a statewide holiday. Governor Gavin Newsom officially signed the bill on September 29, 2022, making California the first state to recognize Lunar New Year as a legal holiday, inspiring movements in four other states to follow suit.
With the successful passage of the Lunar New Year bill, Low emphasizes the need for ongoing research and discourse surrounding Asian American experiences, aiming to ensure that Chinese Americans understand their cultural history in order to advocate effectively within mainstream society.
As he pursues higher office, Low’s core motivation is to increase legislative representation for Asian Americans, stating that they are often underrepresented in public demonstrations and community activities. “Active political participation is essential,” he asserts. “It’s not just about aiming to become a doctor, lawyer, or engineer; we need to engage in the community to ensure political attention is given to our issues.”
Low advocates for solutions to housing challenges, having raised significant funding for affordable housing in the Bay Area during his tenure. He hopes to propose a tax credit for first-time homebuyers to alleviate their financial burdens, stating, “We want to support new families and young people, and this proposal is very important to me.”
Recognizing the lower political voice of the Chinese community compared to other ethnic groups, Low acknowledges, “Our community has been too silent. If we don’t fight for ourselves, who will?” Although he considers himself no longer young at 41, he believes that in the context of congressional members, this age still represents youth. He aims to ensure diverse generational representation within Congress.
