Senator Laura Richardson has focused her professional adult life to public service, motivated to making a tangible difference in people’s lives, uplifting underserved communities, helping others, and an unwavering work ethic for the residents she serves.

Laura’s journey in serving others started long before she held elected office.  While in nursery school, she snuck money out of her mother’s purse to give to the poor; in grade school, Laura gave a childhood friend with mobility issues, rides on her bike, and in high school, Laura chose to volunteer at a senior center where she shared her allergy medicine with a patient who didn’t have any. 

A natural competitor, Laura excelled receiving numerous awards in basketball, softball, track and field and volleyball. Laura concentrated on playing collegiate basketball at the University of California, Santa Barbara before transferring to UCLA, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. Never one to settle, she continued challenging herself and pursued a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Southern California while working full-time for a Fortune 40 company.

Laura’s public service journey started long before she held elected office. 

From her early days as a legislative staffer for a councilwoman, Lt. Governor, and congresswoman in all three levels of government, she learned firsthand the importance of policy that meets people’s needs.

But her path to leadership wasn’t just about politics, it was shaped by resilience, determination, and a relentless drive to keep growing and to keep helping others.

Her official elected career began in 2000, when she was elected to serve on the Long Beach City Council. For six years, she championed initiatives that strengthened neighborhoods and empowered residents, setting the stage for her next role in the California State Assembly, representing the 55th District.

During this time, Laura faced a personal and professional turning point—the passing of her mentor and former boss, Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald. In 2007, she stepped up to honor her legacy and was elected to represent California’s 37th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, where she served three terms. Throughout her time in Congress, she fought for policies that improved lives, whether through disability support, Social Security casework, or economic development programs.

Being elected to the U.S. Congress made history as Laura became the first person in California to serve at the local, state, and federal levels within a 12-month span.

Elected in November 2024 to represent California’s 35th Senate District, she brings years of experience, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the residents she serves.

Now, as a California State Senator, Laura continues to be a force for positive change. She calls San Pedro home and remaining deeply connected to the people she serves. Whether advocating for stronger local businesses, safer neighborhoods, protecting benefits for seniors, or better opportunities for families; her mission remains clear—to uplift, empower, and deliver for the community she represents.

Senator Richardson is the first African American woman to represent the 35th Senate District and is the highest-ranking African American woman in a leadership role serving as both the Assistant Majority Leader of the State Senate and as Chair of the Senate’s influential Budget Subcommittee #5, which deals with public safety, transportation, and the judiciary.