San Jose man tapped to serve as Biden’s assistant press secretary

A San Jose man is headed to the White House to help run President-elect Joe Biden’s communications.

Biden selected Vedant Patel— former communications director to San Jose’s congressional representative Mike Honda — to be the new assistant White House press secretary.

Patel was one of 16 new members of the White House communications and press staff announced late last week. The additions, officials said, are diverse, experienced and talented — demonstrating Biden’s commitment to “building an administration that looks like America and is ready to deliver results for working families on day one.”

During the primary election, Patel was Biden’s Nevada and western primary-states communications director and went on to serve as regional communications director on the Biden-Harris campaign.

Patel could not be reached for immediate comment.

“Restoring faith in government by speaking honestly and directly to the American people will be a hallmark of my administration,” Biden said in a statement. “Our communications and press staff are integral to this effort and are committed to building this country back better for all Americans.”

Patel also worked as communications director and western regional press secretary for Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal and the Democratic National Committee, respectively.

He graduated from University of California-Riverside and the University of Florida.

While Patel currently lives in Washington, DC, he was born in India and grew up in San Jose’s Cambrian Valley.

Incoming White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain said Patel and the other appointees will help rebuild the trust of Americans amid a pandemic and a struggling economy.

“In times of crisis, clear communication can save lives and keep families safe,” Klain said. “These staff members recognize the important role they play in communicating fact-based information to the public on behalf of the president and vice president-elect. They are respected and creative communicators ready to tackle the urgent challenges facing our nation.”

Contact Carly Wipf at [email protected] or follow @CarlyChristineW on Twitter.