Darren's Journey
Darren is proud of his deep roots in Elk Grove, attracted by its close proximity to family, strong schools, and high quality of life, Darren and his wife Denise chose to live in Elk Grove in 2000 to raise their three children; Lauren, Conner and Carson. Twenty years later, Darren and his family have been an instrumental part of Elk Grove’s development.
A son of an immigrant mother, Darren is also the great grandson of Chinese immigrant laborers who came to California looking for a better life. Born and raised in Sacramento, Darren was steeped in the values of hard work, family, and fiscal responsibility.
He took his first job, sorting and packing produce, at age 15. After graduating from John F. Kennedy High School in Sacramento, Darren attended Sacramento City College and then Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where he earned his degree in Civil Engineering.
Darren sought out public service to give back to the community where he and his wife chose to raise their children.
He first sought public service through an appointment to the County Franklin/Laguna Community Planning Advisory Council and later became Elk Grove’s representative to the Sacramento Transportation Air Quality Collaborative, the region’s first effort to connect land use decisions to transportation and air quality.
Darren sought out public service to give back to the community where he and his wife chose to raise their children.
He first sought public service through an appointment to the County Franklin/Laguna Community Planning Advisory Council and later became Elk Grove’s representative to the Sacramento Transportation Air Quality Collaborative, the region’s first effort to connect land use decisions to transportation and air quality.
Then in 2014, Darren was appointed by a unanimous decision to the Council in December 2014 to serve the remainder of the District 1 term vacated by now Assembly Member Jim Cooper. He was elected to a full term in November 2016 with over 73% of the vote. Since joining the city council in December 2014, Darren has ensured the passage of six straight balanced budgets with ample reserves, the approval of an animal shelter, aquatic center, and a combined senior center/veterans hall/community center.
As a civil engineer and land management specialist who works both locally and across California to modernize infrastructure and build sustainable communities, Darren Suen is uniquely qualified to help steer Elk Grove through these challenging times and create an Elk Grove for All.
