Laura Friedman

Laura Friedman is a former American politician and member of the Democratic Party, who served in the California State Assembly representing the 44th district from 2016 until 2024. Prior to her tenure in the Assembly, she was a member of the Glendale City Council and held the position of mayor of Glendale. Friedman has a background in film production and has been involved in various legislative efforts, particularly those focused on environmental and animal rights issues.

Early life and career

Laura Friedman was born on December 3, 1966, into a Jewish family in New York. She pursued her education at the University of Rochester, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. In 1992, she relocated to Hollywood, California, where she began her career in the film industry. By 2000, Friedman had moved to Glendale, California, where she has continued to reside.

Friedman’s professional background includes significant experience in the entertainment sector. From 1994 to 1997, she served as the vice president of development at Rysher Entertainment, a role in which she was responsible for overseeing the production of numerous feature films and television programs. Her film credits include co-producing the 1995 Warner Brothers release "It Takes Two" and serving as an associate producer for "House Arrest" in 1996. She was also the executive producer of "Foxfire" and "Zeus and Roxanne," and contributed as an associate producer to the independent film "Aberration." Following her time at Rysher Entertainment, Friedman worked as the vice president of development at Cort/Madden Company from 1998 to 1999. In 2000, she established her own business, PlanetGlass.net, which is an online art glass dealership.

Friedman’s entry into politics began with her election to the Glendale City Council in 2009. During her time on the council, she was elected mayor of Glendale, serving in that capacity from 2011 to 2012. Her experience in local government laid the groundwork for her subsequent campaign for the California State Assembly.

Legislative service

Laura Friedman was elected to the California State Assembly in 2016, representing the 44th district. During her time in the Assembly, she served two distinct terms, with her last term concluding in 2024. Throughout her legislative career, Friedman was known for her active involvement in various policy areas, particularly those related to environmental sustainability and animal rights.

In 2019, Friedman authored a significant piece of legislation aimed at banning the sale of new fur products in California. This legislation was supported by numerous animal rights organizations and activists and was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom, making California the first state in the nation to implement such a ban. This landmark legislation reflected her commitment to advancing animal welfare through legislative measures.

In addition to her work on animal rights, Friedman co-authored legislation in 2024 with Assemblymember Steve Bennett to prohibit the commercial farming of octopuses in California. This legislation was enacted in September 2024, positioning California as the second state to ban octopus farming, following Washington State's earlier prohibition of the practice.

Friedman was also involved in discussions surrounding the California High-Speed Rail project. In September 2021, she delayed the release of $4 billion in voter-approved bonds for the project, citing a lack of detailed information from the California High-Speed Rail Authority regarding the allocation of funds. This decision sparked a debate about the financial management of the project, with officials from the authority countering that they had already presented a comprehensive expenditure plan to the legislature.

Throughout her legislative career, Friedman was a member of the California Legislative Progressive Caucus, aligning herself with a group focused on progressive policies and initiatives.

Policy focus and district

Friedman’s policy focus during her time in the California State Assembly encompassed a range of issues, with a particular emphasis on environmental sustainability, animal rights, and urban development. Her legislative efforts reflected a commitment to addressing contemporary challenges through innovative policy solutions.

In her district, which includes parts of Glendale and surrounding areas, Friedman worked to promote legislation that would enhance public transit and housing accessibility. One of her notable legislative achievements was the authorship of a bill aimed at eliminating minimum parking requirements for housing developments located near mass transit stations. This legislation, signed into law in 2022, was designed to encourage the development of housing in urban areas while reducing reliance on automobiles and promoting sustainable transportation options.

Friedman’s approach to policy-making was characterized by collaboration with various stakeholders, including community organizations, environmental groups, and constituents. Her legislative initiatives often sought to balance economic development with environmental stewardship, reflecting the diverse needs and interests of her district.

In addition to her legislative work, Friedman was actively engaged in her community, fostering connections with local residents and organizations. Her background in local government provided her with insights into the unique challenges faced by her constituents, which informed her policy priorities and legislative strategies.

Following her tenure in the California State Assembly, Friedman announced her candidacy for the 2024 election in California's 30th congressional district, seeking to continue her public service at the federal level. Her political journey reflects a dedication to addressing pressing issues through effective governance and community engagement.