Shannon Kessler, a Republican, is running for California State Assembly District 30 in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. She faces Democrat Dawn Addis.

Asked why she is running, Kessler said in our candidate questionnaire: "I am running because public safety, affordability, and accountability are no longer priorities in Sacramento. Families on the Central Coast are struggling, parents are losing their voice in schools, businesses are closing, farms are going fallow, and decisions are being made without local input. I am not a career politician; I am a mother, small business owner, and community member ready to serve."

Candidate information

Party: Kessler said in our questionnaire: "Formerly Democrat, currently Republican."

Education: Kessler said in our questionnaire:

  • "Certificate, Pepperdine School of Public Policy"
  • "California-Licensed Real Estate Broker"
  • "Attended Cuesta College, Allan Hancock College, and College of the Desert"
  • "Graduate, Sky High School (Yucca Valley, CA)"

Family: Kessler said in our questionnaire: "My husband, Jim, and I have been married for 38 years. We have two adult children and a grandchild, all of whom live in California. … We enjoy surfing, hiking, and riding together along our stunning Central Coast."

Family in government: Kessler said in our questionnaire: "My brother is a city manager in Florida. My cousin works for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife."

Experience and public service

Asked about her occupation and work history, Kessler said in our questionnaire: "I am a licensed real estate broker managing offices and teams, and my family runs a construction business. As a parental rights advocate, former 4-H leader, and member of a ranching family, I understand housing issues, small-business challenges, agriculture, and the realities working families face."

According to BallotReady profile data, Kessler has worked as principal broker at Shannon Kessler Real Estate since 2023. BallotReady also lists her as a realtor at Century 21 Hometown/Village from 2005 to 2023 and a manager at Century 21 Hometown Realty from 2015 to 2023.

Asked about previous offices and civic roles, Kessler said in our questionnaire:

  • "Former Parks and Recreation Commissioner"
  • "Former candidate for Arroyo Grande City Council"
  • "Board Member, Anti-Human Trafficking and Trauma Recovery Non-Profit"
  • "Board Member, Pismo Coast Association of Realtors Local Government Relations Committee (and former President of its Charitable Committee)"
  • "Member, Chamber of Commerce"
  • "Founder, Save Girls' Sports Central Coast"
  • "Creator of a local government citizen involvement group"
  • "Founder of a local moms hiking club"

On the issues

Housing: Kessler said during a KSBW debate: "I believe that we could reexamine many of the regulations on our policies toward housing and remove, even remove some and rezone and just encourage building."

Education: Kessler said during the KSBW debate: "I support school choice, private school, charter school, and homeschool. I believe that parents need to be included in the decision-making process."

Environment: Kessler said during the KSBW debate: "The environment is of utmost importance to me. Conservation and preservation of our gorgeous coastline, even our hills, valleys and farmlands is a priority for me."

Key differences: Asked about differences between herself and her opponent, Kessler said in our questionnaire: "I will prioritize Central Coast voices by streamlining housing and business approvals, enforcing consequences for repeat offenders, protecting fairness and safety in girls' sports, defending parental rights, and advancing balanced energy policies to keep power affordable, reliable, safe, and locally produced."

Endorsements

The following endorsements are listed on Kessler's campaign website and on BallotReady:

  • Santa Barbara County Republican Party
  • Republican National Hispanic Assembly of Monterey Co.
  • Reform California
  • Santa Cruz County Republican Party
  • San Luis Obispo County Republican Party
  • California Republican Assembly
  • Bay Area GOP
  • Monterey County GOP
  • California GOP
  • California Congress of Republicans

Residents can track Kessler's campaign at kesslerforca.com.