Biography

Laura Friedman, born on December 3, 1966, in New York City, is a Democratic U.S. Representative for California's 30th Congressional District, encompassing areas such as Burbank, Glendale, West Hollywood, and parts of Los Angeles and Pasadena. She was sworn into the 119th Congress on January 3, 2025, succeeding Adam Schiff. Prior to her congressional tenure, Friedman served in the California State Assembly from 2016 to 2024 and on the Glendale City Council from 2009 to 2016, including a term as Mayor from 2011 to 2012.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy/Film from the University of Rochester, 1988.

• Political Experience:

  • Member of the Glendale City Council ; served as Mayor .
  • California State Assembly Member for the 43rd District and the 44th District .
  • Chair of the Assembly Transportation Committee.
  • Chair of the Assembly Natural Resources Committee.
  • Assistant Speaker pro Tempore for the Assembly.
  • Chair of the Assembly Select Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
  • Chair of the Joint Rules Subcommittee on Sexual Harassment Prevention and Response.

Notable Achievements

• Legislation:

  • Authored California's fur ban , making the sale and manufacture of new fur products illegal, signed into law in 2019.
  • Introduced legislation to eliminate minimum parking requirements for housing near mass transit stations, signed into law in 2022.

• Advocacy:

  • Co-founded and served as Policy Director of the California Legislative Progressive Caucus.
  • Led reforms in the legislature's response to sexual harassment as Chair of the Joint Rules Subcommittee on Sexual Harassment Prevention and Response.

• Committee Assignments in Congress:

  • House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
  • House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.

Friedman is recognized for her progressive stance on issues such as healthcare, environmental sustainability, women's rights, housing, transportation, and LGBTQIA+ rights.