Sydney Kamlager-Dove

Sydney Kamlager-Dove is a former member of the California State Senate, representing the 30th district, and a current U.S. representative for California's 37th congressional district. A member of the Democratic Party, she served in the California State Senate from 2021 to 2022 and has held various roles in public service, including her tenure in the California State Assembly and as a trustee for the Los Angeles Community College District. Kamlager-Dove's political career is marked by her advocacy for social justice, racial equity, and various legislative initiatives aimed at addressing disparities in healthcare and education.

Early life and career

Sydney Kamlager-Dove was born on July 20, 1972, in Chicago, Illinois. She is the daughter of Cheryl Lynn Bruce, an actress, and Don Kamlager, who is of white descent. Kamlager-Dove's upbringing in an interracial family has influenced her perspective on identity and social issues. Her stepfather is the artist Kerry James Marshall.

Kamlager-Dove completed her secondary education at Saint Ignatius College Prep, a Jesuit high school in Chicago. She then pursued higher education at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science. Additionally, she holds a Master of Arts in arts management from the Heinz College at Carnegie Mellon University. Kamlager-Dove is also a member of the Zeta Phi Beta sorority, reflecting her commitment to community service and leadership.

Her early career included a role as a spokesperson for the Social and Public Art Resource Center (SPARC) in Venice, California, in 1996. The following year, she became the public art director for the organization, overseeing the restoration of the Venice graffiti pit. After her time at SPARC, Kamlager-Dove worked as an assistant to actor Delroy Lindo and later served as the public affairs director for Crystal Stairs, a nonprofit organization focused on child care, where she worked under the leadership of Holly Mitchell.

In 2010, Kamlager-Dove played a significant role in the campaign to elect Holly Mitchell to the California State Assembly. Following Mitchell's victory, Kamlager-Dove became the district director for her office. In 2015, she successfully ran for a seat on the board of trustees for the Los Angeles Community College District, winning with a plurality of the votes in a competitive election.

Legislative service

Kamlager-Dove's legislative career began in earnest when she was elected to the California State Assembly in a special election held on April 3, 2018. She succeeded Sebastian Ridley-Thomas, who had resigned from his position. During her time in the Assembly, she focused on issues related to racial equity, social justice, and access to education and healthcare.

As a member of the California State Assembly, Kamlager-Dove was active in advocating for policies aimed at restoring voting rights for parolees, reforming police use of force standards, and addressing the financial exploitation of student athletes. One of her notable legislative achievements was co-authoring the CROWN Act, which prohibits discrimination based on natural or protective hairstyles in the workplace.

Throughout her tenure in the Assembly, Kamlager-Dove served on several standing committees, including Public Safety, Arts and Entertainment, Communications and Conveyance, Insurance, and the influential Rules Committee. She chaired the Select Committee on Incarcerated Women and led the Los Angeles County Delegation in the legislature. In 2020, she was appointed to the Committee on Revision of the Penal Code by the Speaker of the California State Assembly, further solidifying her role in shaping legislative policy.

Kamlager-Dove sponsored various bills addressing fiscal and social issues. For instance, she sponsored legislation to facilitate the construction of a new arena for the Los Angeles Clippers, which was signed into law. Additionally, she introduced bills aimed at incorporating implicit bias training into the continuing education of healthcare professionals, lawyers, and judges, with the goal of reducing disparities in these fields. She also sponsored California's first hunting ban in decades, which targeted trophy hunting of bobcats under specific conditions.

In November 2020, Kamlager-Dove announced her candidacy for the California State Senate to succeed Holly Mitchell, who had been elected to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. She won the election on March 2, 2021, securing her position with a significant majority of the vote.

Policy focus and district

During her time in the California State Senate, Kamlager-Dove continued to prioritize issues related to social justice, equity, and community welfare. Her legislative focus included advocating for policies that addressed systemic inequalities and promoted access to essential services for marginalized communities. She remained a vocal advocate for the rights of parolees and worked on initiatives aimed at improving public safety and accountability within law enforcement.

Kamlager-Dove's district, California's 30th State Senate district, encompasses diverse communities in Los Angeles, which has influenced her policy priorities and legislative agenda. Her engagement with constituents and community organizations has been a hallmark of her approach to governance, as she sought to address the needs and concerns of the residents she represented.

In November 2022, Kamlager-Dove transitioned to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing California's 37th congressional district. This new role allows her to continue her advocacy on a broader scale, addressing national issues while maintaining her commitment to the values that guided her work in the California State Legislature.

Throughout her political career, Kamlager-Dove has demonstrated a commitment to public service and community engagement, focusing on policies that aim to create a more equitable society. Her background in arts management and community organizing has informed her approach to governance, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and inclusivity in addressing the challenges faced by her constituents.