Maggy Krell

Maggy Krell is an American attorney and politician currently serving as a member of the California State Assembly, representing the 6th district. A member of the Democratic Party, Krell's district includes most of Sacramento and some surrounding unincorporated areas. Before her election to the Assembly, she built a career as a prosecutor and legal advocate, focusing on issues such as human trafficking and reproductive healthcare rights.

Early life and career

Maggy Krell was born and raised in California, where she developed an early interest in law and public service. She pursued her legal education at the University of California, Davis School of Law, earning her Juris Doctor in 2003. Following her graduation, Krell began her career in the legal field as a deputy district attorney in San Joaquin County, based in Stockton. In this role, she gained valuable experience in the prosecution of various criminal cases, which laid the groundwork for her future endeavors.

Krell's career progressed as she transitioned to the California Department of Justice. Here, she worked on a diverse array of cases, including cold case murders and white-collar crimes, and she eventually rose to the position of Supervising Deputy Attorney General. In this capacity, she led California's Special Prosecution Unit, where she distinguished herself as a prosecutor of human traffickers and an advocate for survivors of trafficking. One of her notable achievements was the prosecution of executives from Backpage.com, a significant online platform for sex trafficking. This case culminated in the site being shut down in 2018, a significant victory in the fight against human trafficking.

In recognition of her efforts, Krell received a career achievement award from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children for her work on the Backpage case. Beyond her prosecutorial duties, she was also dedicated to advocating for the rights and treatment of survivors within the criminal justice system. Krell played a crucial role in securing the early release of a sex-trafficking survivor who had been incarcerated as a teenager due to crimes related to her victimization.

In 2018, Krell took on a new challenge by joining Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California as Chief Legal Counsel. In this role, she aimed to counteract the Trump Administration's efforts to reduce funding and access to reproductive healthcare services. Krell was involved in significant legal battles, including filing an amicus brief in defense of a California law designed to combat the spread of misinformation about reproductive healthcare. She also worked to protect access to federal family planning funds by seeking legal remedies under the Title X Rule.

Krell's commitment to social justice extended to her volunteer work as a lawyer during the family separation crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border. She assisted in reunifying separated families and took legal action against the federal government's policies that led to these separations.

Legislative service

In 2024, Maggy Krell successfully ran for a seat in the California State Assembly, representing the 6th district. Her campaign focused on several key issues, including public safety, access to reproductive healthcare, addressing high living costs, and improving support programs for vulnerable youth. Krell's political career began with a previous attempt to secure the position of Sacramento County District Attorney in 2014, where she was not elected. However, her subsequent campaign for the Assembly proved successful, as she won her primary election by a significant margin against a competitive field of candidates, including six other Democrats.

Krell's general election campaign was marked by her active involvement in a ballot measure in Nevada aimed at enshrining access to abortion as a constitutional right. She mobilized volunteers from Sacramento to Reno to support this initiative, which ultimately passed with a substantial majority. Following her election, Krell took immediate action by introducing legislation designed to safeguard Californians' access to medication abortion, reflecting her commitment to reproductive rights.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the California State Assembly, Maggy Krell represents a diverse constituency that includes the majority of Sacramento and surrounding unincorporated areas. Her policy priorities are shaped by her legal background and her advocacy work, particularly in the areas of public safety, reproductive healthcare, and support for vulnerable populations.

Krell's focus on public safety includes efforts to enhance community safety measures and address systemic issues that contribute to crime. Her experience as a prosecutor informs her understanding of the complexities surrounding criminal justice and the importance of effective legal frameworks.

In addition to public safety, Krell is a staunch advocate for reproductive rights. Her legislative initiatives aim to protect and expand access to reproductive healthcare services, including medication abortion, in California. This commitment is rooted in her previous work with Planned Parenthood and her understanding of the challenges faced by individuals seeking reproductive healthcare.

Krell also addresses economic issues, particularly the high cost of living and homelessness, which are pressing concerns for her constituents. She advocates for policies that aim to alleviate these challenges and improve the quality of life for residents in her district.

Furthermore, Krell emphasizes the importance of supporting vulnerable youth through various programs and initiatives. Her legislative efforts seek to create opportunities and resources for young people, ensuring they have access to the support they need to thrive.

Overall, Maggy Krell's legislative service reflects her dedication to addressing critical issues within her district and her commitment to advocating for the rights and well-being of all Californians. Her background as a lawyer and her experience in public service inform her approach to governance, making her a prominent figure in the California State Assembly.