Candidate for
Member of the State Assembly; District 20; Democratic Party

Ash Bhatt came to America to pursue a better life for himself and his family. Through hard work and persistence, he built a successful real estate and hotel management business and has devoted himself to combining his public policy knowledge with community service activities to improve the lives of working families.

Born and raised in India, Ash studied business and commerce at the University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, earning a Bachelor's Degree in
1976. He went on to earn a prestigious appointment as a personal advisor to a member of the Indian Parliament.

After moving to California, Ash immediately became involved in his community, in addition to building a successful business. In 1992 he was appointed to CA Commission for the Prevention of Hate Crimes. He has also served on the Delinquency Prevention Commission of San Francisco, and the CA Welfare/Workfare Employment Commission.

His local, state and national leadership was honored by the White House, when he was named a member of America's official delegation to attend Mother Theresa's funeral, led by then-First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton. Ash also accompanied President Clinton on his 2000 visit to South Asia and served as a panelist on the 2000 Presidential Primary debate hosted by CNN and the LA Times.

Ash is a father of a 19 year old daughter and a 14 year old son.