Shirley Weber

Shirley Weber is an American academic and politician who served as a member of the California State Assembly for the 79th district from 2012 to 2021. A member of the California Democratic Party, she was the first African American elected to the California State Legislature south of Los Angeles. Following her tenure in the Assembly, Weber was appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom as California's Secretary of State in December 2020, making her the first African American to hold that position. Her career has been marked by a commitment to education and social justice, reflecting her background as an educator and community leader.

Early life and career

Shirley Weber was born on September 20, 1948, in Hope, Arkansas. She grew up in a family that valued education, despite her father's limited formal schooling. Her father, a farmer, emphasized the importance of learning to his eight children. The family faced significant challenges, including a life-threatening incident involving a lynch mob, which prompted them to relocate to California when Weber was just three years old. They settled in the Pueblo Del Rio housing projects in South Los Angeles, where Weber spent her formative years.

Weber pursued higher education at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where she earned a Bachelor of Arts, a Master of Arts, and a PhD in communication. Her academic career began at San Diego State University, where she became a professor of Africana studies. Weber played a pivotal role in establishing the Africana studies department at the university in 1972 and later served as its chair for several years. Over her 40-year tenure at San Diego State, she contributed significantly to the field of African-American studies and was recognized for her leadership as president of the National Council for Black Studies from 2002 to 2006.

Legislative service

Weber's entry into politics began with her service on the San Diego Board of Education, where she was a member from 1988 to 1996, eventually becoming its president. Her leadership in education and commitment to equal opportunity led her to serve as chairwoman of the San Diego Citizens’ Equal Opportunity Commission. In 2011, she was encouraged by fellow politician Toni Atkins to run for the California State Assembly.

In November 2012, Weber was elected to represent California's 79th Assembly district, which encompasses parts of San Diego, Chula Vista, National City, and the entirety of Lemon Grove and La Mesa. She won her election with a significant majority, securing 61.7% of the vote against her Republican opponent. During her time in the Assembly, Weber was an active member of the Committee on Higher Education, where she advocated for the establishment of a state university campus in Chula Vista as a satellite of the California State University system.

Throughout her legislative career, Weber focused on various issues, including education and social justice. In 2020, she authored Assembly Bill 3121, which established a California Reparations Task Force tasked with studying the impacts of slavery and exploring potential reparations for affected communities. The task force convened for the first time in 2021, reflecting Weber's commitment to addressing historical injustices.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the California State Assembly, Weber's policy focus was primarily centered on education, equity, and social justice. Her background as an educator informed her legislative priorities, particularly in the realm of higher education. She worked to enhance access to educational opportunities for students in her district and advocated for the development of educational institutions that would serve the growing population of the region.

Weber's district, California's 79th Assembly district, is characterized by its diverse communities, including significant populations in San Diego, Chula Vista, and National City. This demographic diversity influenced her legislative agenda, as she sought to address the unique needs and challenges faced by her constituents. Her efforts to promote educational initiatives and social equity were aimed at improving the quality of life for residents in her district.

In December 2020, Weber was appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom to serve as California's Secretary of State, succeeding Alex Padilla, who had been appointed to the U.S. Senate. This appointment marked a significant milestone in her career, as she became the first African American to hold this statewide office. Weber was confirmed by the California State Legislature and sworn in on January 29, 2021. In her role as Secretary of State, she oversaw important electoral processes, including the administration of the 2021 California gubernatorial recall election.

Weber's personal life includes her late husband, Judge Daniel Weber, who passed away in 2002. She is a mother of two and has three grandchildren. Her daughter, Akilah Weber, has followed in her footsteps in public service, having served on the La Mesa City Council and later being elected to the California State Senate in 2024 after succeeding her mother in the Assembly.

Shirley Weber's career reflects a deep commitment to education, social justice, and public service, making her a notable figure in California's political landscape. Her contributions to the state legislature and her role as Secretary of State underscore her dedication to addressing the needs of her constituents and advocating for equity and opportunity in California.