A neighbor, a parent, and a proven professional — ready to bring practical, people-first solutions to Sacramento and put District 80 families at the center of every decision.
"I'm not a career politician — I'm one of you, and I'm ready to be your voice in Sacramento."
As a mother, I fight for every child's future in our classrooms. As a scientist, I follow the evidence. As a small business owner right here in District 80, I know the cost of red tape and the reward of a thriving local economy.
My 2026 Platform
These aren’t talking points — they are the real challenges I see every day as a resident, parent, and business owner in Assembly District 80. Each pillar comes with a concrete legislative strategy.
Refocus our schools on rigorous academics — strong literacy, math, science, and critical thinking. Every child in District 80 deserves a classroom that truly prepares them for life and opportunity.
Introduce Assembly legislation mandating evidence-based, phonics-first reading instruction in grades K–3. Partner with the State Board of Education to audit existing curricula and fund teacher retraining on proven methods.
Author bills expanding dual-enrollment STEM programs between high schools and community colleges, creating articulated pathways to careers in tech, healthcare, and engineering without requiring a four-year degree.
Champion legislation requiring annually published, parent-readable school report cards with grade-level proficiency data. Support independent academic audits and hold districts accountable through state funding incentive structures.
Push for targeted salary supplements and housing assistance for credentialed teachers serving high-need schools in District 80. Streamline the credentialing process for qualified professionals transitioning into the classroom.
Advocate for expanding school-based mental health counselors to meet the 1:250 student ratio recommended by ASCA, with dedicated state appropriations for districts in our region serving high-need populations.
Redirect a portion of underperforming school grants toward individualized student intervention programs using outcome data — ensuring resources reach classrooms, not bureaucracy.
Cut red tape, expand access to local contracts, and create real pathways for minority-owned businesses to grow and thrive. As a small business owner myself, I’ve lived every one of these barriers firsthand.
Introduce a Small Business Regulatory Relief Act requiring state agencies to conduct biennial reviews of regulations costing businesses over $50K in compliance, with a fast-track repeal process for outdated rules.
Legislate mandatory 30-day timelines for local permit responses, with automatic approvals when agencies miss deadlines. Advocate for a unified digital permitting portal covering all District 80 municipalities.
Author legislation requiring 25% of state-funded contracts in AD-80 be set aside for small and micro businesses, plus a certified vendor portal connecting district businesses directly to state procurement opportunities.
Champion a California Minority Business Loan Guarantee Program providing state-backed guarantees for BIPOC entrepreneurs, reducing lender risk and opening financing that is currently inaccessible to many District 80 owners.
Fund district-level Small Business Development Center hubs offering free consulting on accounting, legal compliance, digital marketing, and export opportunities — delivered in multiple languages spoken across District 80.
Create legislation linking community college workforce programs directly to local employer needs, with state incentives for businesses that hire and train apprentices from within District 80’s communities.
Every community in District 80 deserves a seat at the table. Fair housing, equitable opportunity, and meaningful representation — our diversity is our greatest strength, not a challenge to manage.
Co-author bills expanding the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit and streamlining CEQA review for 100% affordable developments. Push for ADU fee waivers in high-cost-burden ZIP codes within our district.
Advocate for stronger renter protections including just-cause eviction standards and community land trust funding, keeping long-term residents — especially immigrant families — in the communities they’ve built.
Introduce legislation requiring state-funded services in District 80 to be available in the top spoken languages including Spanish, Tagalog, Arabic, and Somali, ensuring no resident is left behind by a language barrier.
Partner with community organizations to fund voter registration, civic education, and candidate pipeline programs for underrepresented communities. Fund advisory boards with real decision-making authority.
Push for expanded Medi-Cal outreach in underserved communities, with targeted funding for mobile health clinics and community health workers trusted by and embedded in District 80’s diverse populations.
Champion Cal Grant reform to expand eligibility, increase award amounts, and simplify the application process — removing financial barriers that disproportionately prevent first-generation and low-income students from college.
Protect our green spaces, improve air quality, and champion clean energy. As a scientist, I follow the data — and it demands we act now to protect what we love about Southern California.
Introduce stricter diesel emission standards for freight corridors near residential areas. Work with CARB to establish real-time air quality monitoring stations in environmental justice communities across District 80.
Author legislation creating a district-level clean energy rebate program for low-income households, making solar, battery storage, and energy-efficient appliances accessible to both renters and homeowners.
Oppose developments threatening wetlands and coastal access. Support state bond funding for urban parks and green infrastructure in underserved neighborhoods that currently lack equitable access to nature.
Push for increased state investment in water recycling and stormwater capture in Southern California. Advocate for tiered water pricing reforms that protect low-income households while creating conservation incentives.
Champion funding for zero-emission transit expansion and active transportation infrastructure — bike lanes, safe school routes, and EV charging in underserved areas — reducing car dependence district-wide.
Require all municipalities in District 80 to adopt climate adaptation plans with measurable heat island mitigation, wildfire buffer zones, and flood preparedness infrastructure — backed by dedicated state resilience funding.
"District 80 deserves a leader who doesn't choose between progress and people — because she knows they are the same thing."
— Zenith Khan · Candidate for Assembly District 80 · 2026 Primary
Real change starts with real people. Whether you knock doors, share the message, or plan to contribute — every action counts toward winning the 2026 Primary.
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