Former Fremont Police Chief Announces Run for Assembly Seat

Former Fremont police chief Craig Steckler has officially made the jump to politics.

Earlier this month, Steckler announced on his website, www.stecklerforassembly.com, that he was gunning for the 25th Assembly District seat in 2014. The 69-year-old Democrat comes with backing from his Fremont and law enforcement peers with endorsements from Fremont Mayor Bill Harrison; Fremont councilmembers Anu Natarajan, Sue Chan and Raj Salwan; former mayor Gus Morrison; and Alameda County Sheriff Greg Ahern, among others. 

In a statement posted on his website, Steckler said his priorities match those of residents within his district.

“The priorities of this community are my priorities — schools, innovation and technology, small business, public safety and more cooperation between state and legal government,” he said.

“I’m not a career politician, but I know how to listen, lead and get results,” Steckler added.

Steckler retired last year after serving 21 years with the Fremont Police Department. He previously served as a president of the California Police Chiefs Association. This month, he finishes his term as the president of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, which boasts 22,000 members in 100 countries. 

The 25th Assembly District seat is up for grabs because Assemblyman Bob Wieckowski, who currently holds the seat, has placed his bid for the 10th State Senate District seat.

The 25th Assembly District includes Newark, a part of Fremont, Milpitas, Santa Clara and a part of San Jose.