Biography
Chris Kluwe is the Democratic candidate for California State Assembly District 72 in the November 3, 2026 general election, where he faces Republican Gracey Van Der Mark.[1][2] In a Ballotpedia survey, he described himself as a former NFL player, football coach, small businessman and civil rights advocate.[3]
Chris Kluwe said in a 2026 Ballotpedia survey that he grew up in Seal Beach, attended local public schools and earned a bachelor's degree with a double major in history and political science from UCLA before beginning a career in the NFL.[3] He said that since retiring from the NFL he has worked as a coach, volunteer and writer and has volunteered at Shipley Nature Center.[3]
Kluwe advanced from the June 2, 2026 primary.[2] In the survey, he said he is running to make government work for everyone and cited the rising cost of housing, healthcare, groceries and utilities among his key messages.[3]
- 1.California State Assembly elections, 2026 · Ballotpedia Reference
- 2.Chris Kluwe · Ballotpedia Reference
- 3.Chris Kluwe — Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey (2026) · Ballotpedia Candidate's own words
Researched from the cited sources on 2026-10-21. Not yet independently fact-checked.
California Assembly District 72
Chris Kluwe is on the Nov 3, 2026 ballot for California Assembly District 72 as D. Not researched in depth — candidate list only.