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Member of the State Assembly, District 40

🏛️ California State Assembly Members represent their districts by crafting, amending, and voting on state legislation, creating a biennial budget, and performing oversight of state agencies. They hold committee hearings on policy, manage constituent services through local offices, and secure funding for local projects. Assembly Members are elected for two-year terms and manage both a Capitol office and a district office to serve their constituents.

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    Andreas Farmakalidis
    (Rep)

  • Candidate picture

    Rickey Tracy Hayes II
    (Rep)

  • Candidate picture

    Pilar Schiavo
    (Dem)

  • Candidate picture

    Elizabeth Wong Ahlers
    (Rep)

Biographical Information

If elected, what are your top 3 priorities?

What background, experience and/or education qualify you for this office? (You may use your candidate statement here if desired.)

Do you support the laws that seek to alleviate the shortage of affordable housing for middle- and low-income people in California? If not, what would you propose to achieve the same goals?

What programs or strategies would you suggest support the educational needs of young, low-income Californians?

What programs, proposals, projects, or legislation would you support to meet the water needs of all Californians?

Ballot Designation Business Owner/Professor
Candidate's Political Party Republican
Endorsement List URL http://andreas-ad40.com
Campaign Email info@andreas-ad40.com
Campaign Website http://www.andreas-ad40.com
Campaign Twitter Handle @afarmakalidis
Campaign YouTube URL
Fix Education. Lower Costs. Protect Small Businesses. Prepare for the AI Future.

California should be a place where hard work leads to opportunity, but for too many families, that promise is slipping. My priorities focus on restoring that pathway while preparing for the future.

1. Fix Education & Workforce Readiness It’s not just about more funding,it’s about results. Students must graduate with real, modern skills. That means expanding career technical education in trades, technology, and the arts—while integrating AI literacy so students understand the tools shaping tomorrow’s economy. We also need transparency so parents know how schools are performing. Education should prepare students for real careers, not leave them behind.

2. Lower the Cost of Living Families are being priced out of California. We must reduce unnecessary regulations that drive up housing, energy, and everyday costs. Increasing competition, especially in insurance and utilities,will help bring prices down. We can also leverage AI and technology to streamline permitting, reduce bureaucracy, and make government more efficient. People shouldn’t have to leave California to afford California.

3. Protect Small Businesses & Local Economies Small businesses are the backbone of our communities, yet they face constant pressure from over regulation and rising costs. We need to make it easier to start, hire, and grow locally. That includes using AI-driven tools to cut red tape, simplify compliance, and improve access to capital. When small businesses succeed, communities thrive.

California doesn’t need more bureaucracy, it needs accountability, affordability, and innovation.
I am the only candidate that brings a unique combination of real-world experience in business, education, and public service that directly reflects the challenges facing our communities.

I am the co-founder of California MusicBox, a small business in the San Fernando Valley that provides affordable access to music education and instruments. As a business owner, I understand firsthand the impact of rising costs, overregulation, and economic uncertainty. I’ve had to meet payroll, navigate state regulations, and adapt to a rapidly changing economy, experiences that shape my commitment to supporting small businesses and job creation.

I also serve as Chair of the North Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce, united Chambers, Vica member and California chambers where I represent local businesses and work closely with community leaders, nonprofits, and stakeholders to promote economic growth and regional collaboration. In this role, I’ve helped lead initiatives that support entrepreneurship, education, and community development.

In education, I am a college instructor and curriculum developer, focused on workforce readiness, entrepreneurship, and the integration of emerging technologies like AI into learning. I hold degrees from Berklee, Harvard University and Brandeis University, which have strengthened my understanding of public policy, economics, and governance. My work in education is centered on preparing students with practical skills that translate into real opportunities.

Additionally, I have been recognized with a Presidential Award for my contributions to education and community service.

My background is not theoretical, it is grounded in lived experience. I understand what families, educators, and business owners are going through because I live it every day. I am running to bring practical solutions, accountability, and a results-driven approach to Sacramento.
Yes!California is facing a real housing shortage, and I support efforts to increase housing supply, especially for middle- and low-income families. However, I do not believe every state-imposed housing law is the right solution, particularly when it overrides local communities without flexibility.

I support the goal of building more housing, but the approach must be balanced and effective. We should prioritize housing near jobs, transit, and existing infrastructure, where it can have the greatest impact. Thoughtful, mixed-use and transit-oriented development can increase supply while maintaining the character of established neighborhoods.

At the same time, local communities must have a meaningful role in shaping growth. A one-size-fits-all, top-down approach from Sacramento often creates resistance, delays, and unintended consequences. We need a system that encourages housing while still allowing local input and accountability.

We also need to address the real barriers to building housing: excessive regulations, long permitting timelines, high construction costs, and infrastructure limitations. Simply passing more laws will not solve the problem if projects remain too expensive or difficult to build. Streamlining approvals and reducing red tape are critical.

Additionally, we should leverage innovation and technology, including AI, to modernize permitting, reduce delays, and improve efficiency in government processes. I support increasing housing supply and affordability—but through a smarter approach that combines responsible development, local input, and reduced bureaucracy to deliver real results.
California has many programs intended to support low-income students, but the reality is we are not getting the outcomes we should for the level of investment we make. I support targeted funding and support systems, but we must focus on results, accountability, and preparing students for real opportunity.

First, we should strengthen early education. Programs like Transitional Kindergarten and preschool access are critical, especially for low-income families. Students who start behind often stay behind, so investing early gives them a fair shot from day one.

Second, we need to expand academic support that actually works. High-dosage tutoring, after-school programs, and summer learning opportunities can help close learning gaps—but they must be implemented with accountability and measurable outcomes. Funding should follow results, not just programs.

Third, we must prioritize career pathways. Not every student needs a traditional four-year college route. Expanding career technical
California has many programs intended to support low income students, but we are not seeing the outcomes we should for the level of investment we make. I support targeted funding and support systems, but we must focus on results, accountability, and real opportunity.

First, we should strengthen early education. Expanding access to Transitional Kindergarten and preschool is critical, especially for low income families. Students who start behind often stay behind, so early investment gives them a stronger foundation.

Second, we need to expand academic support that works. After-school programs, and summer learning can help close learning gaps, but they must be tied to measurable outcomes. We should prioritize programs that demonstrate real progress, not just continued spending.

Third, we must expand career pathways. Not every student needs a traditional four-year college route. Career technical education, apprenticeships, and dual enrollment programs provide practical skills and real opportunities. We should also integrate AI literacy so students are prepared for the modern workforce.

Fourth, we must address barriers outside the classroom. Access to meals, mental health support, and stable learning environments is essential. Students cannot succeed academically if their basic needs are not being met.

Finally, we should modernize education delivery. Using technology and AI can help personalize learning, identify struggling students earlier, and reduce administrative inefficiencies so more resources reach the classroom.

I support programs that help low-income students—but we must ensure they deliver results, expand opportunity, and prepare every student for success.
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