Chris Kelly
Chris Kelly is running for Attorney General to put his legal, technology, and public policy experience to use, fighting California’s toughest problems. Chris Kelly 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, Kelly has worked side by side with Attorneys General in all 50 states to develop safeguards designed to protect children from potential sexual predators. Kelly’s 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, Kelly understands the capabilities of the office and will work to adopt best practices from other Attorneys General across the country.
Working at Facebook taught Kelly a very important lesson – that innovation should be rewarded and we should never stop looking for better, smarter ways to solve problems. As Attorney General, Kelly will find progressive solutions to some of California’s most pressing challenges such as consumer protection and mortgage fraud.
Prior to joining Facebook, Kelly practiced law in the Silicon Valley. Kelly advised some of the most innovative Internet and media clients on the increasing challenges of intellectual property and privacy protection for 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, Kelly 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.
As a former policy advisor for President Clinton's White House Domestic Policy Council and Department of Education, Kelly 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.
Kelly 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. Kelly also serves on the Board of Directors for the San Francisco 49ers Academy, a public middle school in East Palo Alto.
Last Name:
Kelley
