Assemblymember Chris Ward was first elected to the California State Assembly in 2020 and re-elected in 2022, 2024, and 2026 to represent the 78th Assembly District, which includes San Diego and El Cajon. He currently serves as Chair of the Assembly Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism and the Select Committee on Biotechnology and Medical Technology, and previously chaired the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus.
Throughout his tenure, Assemblymember Ward has championed policies tackling California’s most pressing challenges, including housing affordability, homelessness, climate change, consumer privacy, LGBTQ+ rights, and responsible budgeting. His legislative accomplishments include establishing California’s first community solar program, curbing the proliferation of ghost guns, securing the nation’s largest investment in local journalism, and strengthening government transparency. A leading advocate for privacy and civil rights, he has spearheaded legislation to safeguard Californians’ sensitive personal information and authored the landmark SAFETY Act, protecting LGBTQ+ students from policies that mandate the forced disclosure of their identities in schools.
His commitment to public service has extended to several key leadership roles while serving in the Assembly, including Speaker pro Tempore and Assistant Majority Leader. His work has earned statewide recognition, including the 2026 “Allyship” Award from the AAPI Queer Joy Coalition, the 2025 “Champion for Working Families” Award from UFCW, the 2025 “California Worker Warrior” Award from SEIU, and the 2024 “California Legislator of the Year” Award from LeadingAge California.
Before joining the Assembly, Ward served on the San Diego City Council, where he authored the city's landmark Equal Pay Ordinance and chaired both the Land Use and Housing Committee and the San Diego County Regional Task Force on the Homeless. He also previously served as Chief of Staff to State Senator Marty Block.
Ward earned his bachelor's degree from Johns Hopkins University and a master's degree in Public Policy and Urban Planning from Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government. He lives in University Heights with his family.