Candidate for
United States Representative; District 37

Assemblywoman Laura Richardson began her legislative career in 2000 after winning three unprecedented elections in her bid for the Long Beach City Council. As a Councilmember, Richardson worked directly with community leaders, businesses, residents and city officials to initiate and support legislative and administrative policies that enhanced the vitality and livability of the community she represented.

On the City Council, Richardson was instrumental in securing funding for alley maintenance by the City of Long Beach and initiated the planning process for a Senior Transportation Program. She advocated for the first ever 50 million dollar commitment for economic, open space and housing development and created critical outreach programs and events designed to motivate, inspire and empower city residents. Additionally, Laura worked to bring the first new bank to the Central Area of Long Beach since the 1992 riots and is responsible for opening the first job training center for working families in the inner city.

In addition to her duties on the council, Richardson served as Southern California Director for Lieutenant Governor Cruz Bustamante from 2001 to 2005. At the time, Lieutenant Governor Bustamante was the second highest Latino elected official in the United States.

In June 2006, Laura Richardson won the heavily contested primary election and ultimately went on to win the November general election to the California State Assembly in the 55th District. Her Assembly District includes the cities of Long Beach, Carson, Harbor City, Lakewood, Wilmington and unincorporated areas of Los Angeles. Richardson serves on the California Legislature's Leadership Team as the Assistant Speaker pro Tempore in the Assembly and is recognized as the first African-American woman and South Bay representative to hold this prestigious position. In the legislature, Richardson is dedicated to expanding access to healthcare, empowering public education, and ensuring safe neighborhoods.