Sen. Steven Bradford, D-Gardena, is the newly elected chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus, which has a five-decade legacy of advocating for transformative legislation on behalf of Black and other marginalized people in the state.
Bradford was elected to the legislature in 2009, making him the longest-serving member of the caucus and currently the only Black senator in the state Senate. He also serves as chair of the Senate Committee on Public Safety and the Select Committee on the Status of Boys and Men of Color.
Previously serving as vice chair of the CLBC, Bradford ascended to the chair that had been held by Assemblywoman Shirley Weber, who was chosen by Gov. Gavin Newsom as Secretary of State to replace Alex Padilla upon his appointment as the next U.S. senator from California.
“I am humbled and honored to accept the role as chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus,” Bradford said. “Dr. Weber leaves behind an incredible legacy. She has been a bastion of progress when it comes to social justice, education, criminal justice reform and equity for people of color. With the support of my colleagues, I intend to continue and build upon the successes she achieved while serving as chair.”
He said the caucus “will be tackling issues such as the massively disproportional effect of COVID-19 on Black Californians, establishing a more transparent and accountable police system, enhancing economic opportunity through social equity programs, protecting the state’s ratepayers from unfair energy policies, supporting our formerly incarcerated with rehabilitative programs, pursuing representation in all forms of government and so much more.”
“I look forward to all that we will accomplish together and remain committed to making California a more prosperous, diverse, and equitable state for all Californians,” he said.