After leaving his Assembly Chief of Staff job, Darren Suen laying groundwork for quixotic run against former boss

The last year has been an interesting time for Elk Grove's current longest-tenured city council member, Darren Suen. Starting early this year, Suen left his post with the Department of Water Resources to become the chief of staff for California District 10 Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen.

Nguyen was a colleague of Suen's when she served on the Elk Grove City Council from 2017 until her 2022 election when she began representing Elk Grove and south Sacramento in the state assembly. Late last year, Suen, who had no previous experience working at the State Capitol, announced he was Nguyen's chief of staff.

A chief of staff typically is the person who provides Assemblymembers with overall staff management, advises assembly members, interacts with other legislative staff, acts as a gatekeeper, and, when necessary, enforcer. Most chiefs of staff assent to the position after working other capitol staff jobs, so when Suen was hired, Nguyen afforded him a rare opportunity to enter at the top of the Capitol's food chain.

However, that opportunity and Suen's tenure were short-lived.

This summer, it was announced that Suen would leave Nguyen's staff effective August 31, the end of the legislative session. Since that announcement, several developments have occurred.

Suen and Stephanie Phan, another staff member of Nguyen who left, announced their departure in the Capitol Morning Report. That widely read online newsletter about Capitol events includes career changes, among other things.

Interestingly, the typical career announcement in the CMR concerns retirements, transfers, and promotions within the Capitol work environment. In their announcement (see below), which breaks from typical Capitol protocol, Suen and Phan were ambiguous about the reasons for their departures and their next career moves, which appear outside the Capitol.  Also, before their departure, Suen posted on social media highlighting several bills he was involved in. The posting did not mention his position on Assemblymember Nguyen's staff (see below).  

At the time of his job separation, Suen said he would disclose his next career move, which has yet to be announced. Suen could have returned to his state job.According to Capitol sources Elk Grove News has spoken with, this much is certain - regardless of employment he lands, Suen is laying the groundwork for a 2026 primary challenge against his former boss, Assemblymember Nguyen.When Jim Cooper decided not to seek another term as Elk Grove's Assembly member in 2022 and successfully ran to become Sacramento County Sheriff, Suen had tried positioning himself as Cooper's heir apparent. However, when Nguyen entered the race, Suen deferred his ambition.  

Suen has already started fundraising to accompany that plan for a 2026 primary challenge of Nguyen. Even though he is unchallenged for reelection to the Elk Grove City Council this year, Suen recently held a fundraising event, bringing one contribution of $1,000 from the AT&T Employee Political Action Committee.

Phan posted information on social media about Suen's recent fundraiser and a possible campaign slogan for Suen -  A Better City, Suen-er than you think. 

Nguyen is on the ballot this November but is expected to easily win a second term. However, when Nguyen presumably seeks her third term in 2026, she will face a June primary challenge from fellow Democrat Suen.

Even though the 2024 elections are not over, Suen faces an uphill battle to unseat Nguyen in 2026, even if he makes it out of the primary. Unless there are unusual circumstances, Suen will not be supported by the California Democratic establishment, so he may consider switching to the Republican party. 

Even if Suen remains a Democrat to challenge his former boss, donors do not abandon incumbents unless involved in egregious behaviors bordering on criminal acts, which would be out of character for Nguyen.

As Suen lays the groundwork for his 2026 run, his campaign to oust his former boss can most charitably be described as quixotic.