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Eric Tao
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Eric Tao (Republican Party) ran for election to the California State Senate to represent District 17. He lost in the primary on March 5, 2024.
Tao completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2023. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Eric Tao earned a bachelor's degree from National Sun Yat-sen University in 1986, a graduate degree from the New Jersey Institute of Technology in 1987, and a Ph.D. from the University of California, Irvine in 1998. His career experience includes working as a computer science professor at California State University, as director of the Institute for Innovation and Economic Development, and as president of the University of East-West Medicine. Tao co-founded the Monterey Bay Chinese Chamber of Commerce and the Coalition for Asian Justice.[1][2]
Elections
2024
See also: California State Senate elections, 2024
General election
General election for California State Senate District 17
Incumbent John Laird defeated Tony Virrueta in the general election for California State Senate District 17 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | John Laird (D) | 65.0 | 269,862 |
 | Tony Virrueta (R) | 35.0 | 144,992 | |
| Total votes: 414,854 | |||
 = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Nonpartisan primary election
Nonpartisan primary for California State Senate District 17
Incumbent John Laird and Tony Virrueta defeated Eric Tao and Michael Oxford in the primary for California State Senate District 17 on March 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | John Laird (D) | 64.5 | 143,912 |
| ✔ | | Tony Virrueta (R) | 21.9 | 48,829 |
 | Eric Tao (R) | 11.6 | 25,845 | |
 | Michael Oxford (L) | 2.1 | 4,591 | |
| Total votes: 223,177 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Campaign finance
Endorsements
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Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Tao in this election.
Campaign themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Eric Tao completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2023. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Tao's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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Now, as a candidate for the California State Senate, I'm driven by a vision for "A Brighter California." Our state faces challenges like rising crime, homelessness, and ideological challenges in schools. The existing political landscape no longer adequately represents our needs and aspirations. It's time for a new direction, and I'm committed to utilizing my expertise to make impactful policy decisions.
At CSU, I've witnessed the transformative impact of education and technology. As a husband and father, I understand your concerns about the future and the challenges our next generation encounters. I strongly advocate for personal responsibility, freedom, innovation, and prudent fiscal management. If elected, I will tirelessly work to safeguard your rights as parents and property owners, ensuring judicious use of your tax money.
Join me in building "A Brighter California" that reflects the values of our Central Coast. Visit EricTao4Senate.com to learn more. Vote Eric Tao for State Senate!
- Vision for "A Brighter California": Dr. Eric Tao emphasizes the need for a new direction in California, driven by his vision of creating "A Brighter California." He acknowledges the challenges the state faces, such as rising crime, homelessness, and ideological issues in schools, and is committed to leveraging his expertise for impactful policy-making decisions.
- Expertise in Education, Innovation, and Economic Development: With over two decades of experience as a Computer Science professor and the Founding Director of the Institute for Innovation and Economic Development at California State University Monterey Bay, Dr. Tao highlights his extensive background in education, research, and management. He underscores the transformative power of education and technology in shaping lives and fostering innovation and economic development.
- Commitment to Personal Responsibility, Freedom, and Fiscal Prudence: Dr. Tao strongly believes in principles such as personal responsibility, freedom, and wise fiscal management. As a candidate for the California State Senate, he promises to protect the rights of parents and property owners and ensure judicious spending of tax money. This commitment reflects his dedication to responsible governance and addressing the concerns of the community.
What truly captivates me about Reagan is his exceptional ability to connect with people. His skillful communication style made complex issues accessible to a wide audience. I'm motivated to emulate this approach, aiming to engage and connect with Californians effectively, ensuring a deeper understanding of the policies and initiatives I champion.
Reagan's economic strategies, including tax cuts and deregulation, led to substantial growth during his presidency. I'm inspired by his commitment to creating an environment that encourages innovation, job creation, and overall economic prosperity. If given the opportunity to serve, I intend to apply similar principles to tackle California's economic challenges and promote sustainable growth.
Accountability is a principle I hold dear, recognizing that taking responsibility for my actions and decisions is imperative. Acknowledging mistakes, learning from them, and ensuring that every decision aligns with the best interests of the community are guiding tenets of my approach to public service.
My dedication to public service is unwavering, driven by a genuine commitment to the well-being of the community I serve. I prioritize the needs of constituents over personal or political interests, understanding that the core purpose of my role is to contribute to the betterment of society.
Listening is a skill I actively cultivate, recognizing the value of understanding the diverse perspectives and concerns of the constituents. Effective communication involves not just expressing my views but also, and perhaps more importantly, attentively listening to the needs and aspirations of those I represent.
Empathy is another fundamental characteristic I bring to my role. I endeavor to understand the unique experiences of constituents, recognizing that policy decisions must reflect the diverse backgrounds and circumstances within the community.
1. Integrity: I hold firm to the principles of honesty, transparency, and ethical conduct. These values are the cornerstone of my character, establishing a foundation of trust with constituents and fellow policymakers.
2. Leadership: My leadership skills are evident in my ability to inspire and guide others toward common goals. Whether tackling complex issues or fostering teamwork, I aim to create a positive and impactful work environment.
3. Commitment to Public Service: A genuine dedication to public service drives my actions. Putting the community's well-being first and prioritizing public interest over personal gain are fundamental to my commitment to serve.
4. Effective Communication: I excel in communication, articulating my views clearly and actively listening to the concerns of constituents. This skill fosters constructive dialogue and ensures a deeper understanding for more effective representation.
5. Collaboration and Bipartisanship: I recognize the significance of collaboration and bipartisanship. By seeking common ground and working across party lines, I am committed to effective governance that prioritizes the greater good.
6. Accessibility: My commitment to being accessible and responsive to constituents reflects an understanding of the importance of direct engagement. Staying attuned to the community ensures a strong connection with those I represent.
I really love the book "Sapiens" by Yuval Noah Harari because it takes us on this awesome journey through the history of humankind in a way that's super interesting and easy to understand. Harari mixes cool facts about our past with stories that make everything come alive. What I find especially cool is how he talks about big questions like why societies form and how cultures evolve. It's like having an exciting conversation about the human story.
Homelessness: I am dedicated to developing compassionate and impactful solutions to homelessness. This involves addressing root causes such as housing insecurity, mental health challenges, and substance abuse through targeted programs and robust support services.
Education Inequality: Bridging educational gaps is paramount. I will advocate for policies that ensure equitable access to quality education, direct investments in underprivileged communities, and support initiatives empowering all students.
Infrastructure Investment: Advocating for strategic investments in infrastructure is central to my candidacy. This includes focusing on the maintenance and enhancement of our transportation networks to accommodate population growth and ensure efficiency.
Public Health Preparedness: Recognizing the importance of a resilient public health system, I will support initiatives that enhance healthcare access, strengthen vaccination programs, and fortify our preparedness for health crises.
Economic Disparities: Addressing economic disparities is a top priority. I will work diligently to create policies fostering economic inclusivity, supporting small businesses, and ensuring opportunities for all Californians to thrive in our vibrant economy.
Serving as an administrator and a professor in California State University, the largest public university system in the nation, provides me deep understanding of both how state government functions, and how to improve it.
1. Appropriations Committee: This committee plays a crucial role in reviewing the fiscal impact of legislation. As a new senator, understanding budgetary considerations and fiscal responsibility is fundamental for me to effective policymaking.
2. Education Committee: The committee addresses policies related to K-12 schools, higher education, and workforce development. It's vital for shaping the future of education in California. This is where I have strong experience and knowledge.
3. Environmental Quality Committee: California is at the forefront of environmental issues. This committee addresses legislation related to environmental protection, climate change, and sustainable development.
4. Judiciary Committee: We have to enforce the law and protect the safety of everyone. To have "A Brighter California", this is a committee I will participate in fully.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
Campaign finance summary
Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.
See also
2024 Elections
External links
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Footnotes
