Sydney Kamlager-Dove

Sydney Kamlager-Dove is an American politician currently serving as the U.S. Representative for California's 37th congressional district. A member of the Democratic Party, she began her tenure in the House of Representatives in 2023. Prior to her election to Congress, Kamlager-Dove held various positions in California's state government, including roles in the California State Senate and Assembly, as well as serving as a trustee for the Los Angeles Community College District. Her career has been marked by a focus on social justice, equity, and community advocacy.

Early life and career

Sydney Kamlager-Dove was born on July 20, 1972, in Chicago, Illinois. She is the daughter of actress Cheryl Lynn Bruce and artist Kerry James Marshall. Kamlager-Dove pursued her higher education at the University of Southern California, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science. She furthered her academic credentials by obtaining a Master of Arts in arts management from the Heinz College at Carnegie Mellon University. During her time at USC, she became a member of the Zeta Phi Beta sorority, which is known for its commitment to community service and social justice.

Kamlager-Dove's early career included significant roles in the arts and public service. In 1996, she became the spokesperson for the Social and Public Art Resource Center (SPARC) in Venice, California. A year later, she took on the role of public art director for the organization, where she was involved in the restoration of the Venice graffiti pit. Following her tenure at SPARC, she worked as an assistant to actor Delroy Lindo, gaining experience in public affairs. Subsequently, she served as the public affairs director for Crystal Stairs, a nonprofit organization focused on child care, which was led at the time by Holly Mitchell.

In 2010, Kamlager-Dove played a key role in Holly Mitchell's campaign for the California State Assembly, which led to her appointment as district director after Mitchell's victory. Her involvement in local politics deepened when she successfully ran for a position on the board of trustees for the Los Angeles Community College District in 2015, where she won with a plurality of votes against three other candidates.

House tenure

Kamlager-Dove's political journey took a significant step forward when she was elected to the California State Assembly in 2018. She won a special election to fill the vacancy left by Sebastian Ridley-Thomas, who resigned from his position. During her time in the Assembly, she became known for her advocacy on issues related to racial equity, social justice, and access to resources. Kamlager-Dove was particularly vocal about restoring voting rights for parolees, enhancing police use-of-force standards, and advocating for student athletes' rights regarding compensation for the use of their name, image, or likeness.

In 2019, she co-authored the CROWN Act, a landmark piece of legislation aimed at prohibiting discrimination based on natural or protective hairstyles in the workplace. Her efforts in the Assembly also included chairing the Select Committee on Incarcerated Women and participating in various standing committees, such as Public Safety and Arts and Entertainment.

Kamlager-Dove transitioned to the California State Senate in 2021, following her election to succeed Holly Mitchell, who had moved on to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. She continued her advocacy for social justice and equity during her time in the Senate, further solidifying her reputation as a progressive leader.

In November 2022, Kamlager-Dove was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for California's 37th congressional district, succeeding Karen Bass, who had been elected as the mayor of Los Angeles. Her election marked a continuation of her commitment to public service at the federal level, where she began her term in January 2023.

Legislative focus and committees

As a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Kamlager-Dove has been active in various legislative efforts and committee assignments. She serves on the Committee on Foreign Affairs, where she holds the position of Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on South and Central Asia, as well as being a member of the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere. Additionally, she is part of the Committee on the Judiciary, where she serves on multiple subcommittees, including those focused on courts, intellectual property, artificial intelligence, and the Constitution.

Kamlager-Dove's legislative priorities reflect her commitment to social justice and equity. She is involved in several caucuses, including the Black Maternal Health Caucus, the Congressional Black Caucus, and the Congressional Progressive Caucus, among others. Her role as co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth indicates her dedication to advocating for vulnerable populations.

Throughout her career, Kamlager-Dove has sponsored and supported various pieces of legislation aimed at addressing social issues. Her work includes initiatives to mandate implicit bias training for healthcare professionals and legal practitioners, as well as sponsoring California's first hunting ban in decades, which focuses on the trophy hunting of bobcats.

Kamlager-Dove's tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives is ongoing, and her current term is set to conclude on January 3, 2027. Her legislative focus and committee assignments continue to evolve as she addresses the needs and concerns of her constituents in California's 37th district and beyond.