Before joining UCS, he worked as Director of a Sierra Club chapter and for California Common Cause, Media Alliance and CalPIRG.

[7] After being elected to the Oakland City Council in Nov. 2012, he worked extensively on affordable housing, environmental, police oversight and good government legislation.

[11] In 2018 he ran for California's 15th State Assembly district but lost to Richmond City Councilwoman Jovanka Beckles by 0.6% for the second slot to run in the runoff against Buffy Wicks.

[12] In 2024 he ran for California's 7th State Senate district, but lost again to Jovanka Beckles for the second slot to run in the runoff against Jesse Arreguin.

[13] • Best Good Government Politician, 2014, East Bay Express[14] • Outstanding Elected Official of the Year, 2015, CA Public Library Advocates • Most Effective Member of the (City) Council, 2016, Oakland Magazine • Affordable Housing Champion, 2020, East Bay Housing Organizations (EBHO) District 1Zac UngerDistrict 3Carroll FifeDistrict 5Noel GalloDistrict 7Ken Houston