Chris Kelly is running for Attorney General to put his public policy, technology, and legal experience to use fighting California’s toughest problems. Chris believes that we need to look for innovative ways to fight crime, protect consumers, and keep Californians safe.

As the Chief Privacy Officer for Facebook, Chris has worked side by side with Attorneys General in all 50 states to develop safeguards to protect children from sexual predators. Chris' work with the Attorneys General generated a national call-to-action, working together with law enforcement to deter and prosecute predators. As a result of working with America’s state Attorneys General, Chris understands the limitations and capabilities of the office and will work to adopt best practices from other Attorneys General across the country.

Working at Facebook taught Chris another very important lesson – that innovation should be rewarded, and we should never stop looking for better, smarter ways to solve problems. As Attorney General, Chris will find progressive solutions to some of California’s most pressing challenges, such as consumer protection and mortgage fraud.

Prior to joining Facebook, Chris returned to Silicon Valley to practice law. Chris advised some of the most innovative Internet and media clients on the increasing challenges of intellectual property and privacy protection in the digital age. Kelly clerked for federal Judge Barry Moskowitz of the United States District Court in San Diego. He assisted on a range of both criminal and civil cases, including drug smuggling, immigration and money laundering.

As Attorney General, Chris will use new technologies like mapping software and advanced forensics to reduce violent crimes and crack down on gang violence. He will take on the problems with California’s prison system by focusing on preventative programs to keep people out of jail in the first place. Kelly will not only be tough on crime, but he will be smart on crime.
As a former policy advisor for President Clinton's White House Domestic Policy Council and Department of Education, Chris worked on important domestic programs, including the successful initiative to put 100,000 new community police officers on America's streets and the formation of AmeriCorps, a network of national service programs that engage Americans in community service for education, public safety, health, and the environment.

Chris received his undergraduate degree from Georgetown University, a master's degree from Yale University, and his law degree from Harvard University. Raised in Santa Ana and San Jose, he resides in Palo Alto with his wife Jennifer, an entrepreneur and former prosecutor, and their son Aidan. Chris also serves on the Board of Directors for the San Francisco 49ers Academy, a public middle school in East Palo Alto.

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