Nancy Skinner

Nancy Skinner is a former American politician who served as a member of the California State Senate, representing California's 9th State Senate district from 2016 until 2024. A member of the California Democratic Party, Skinner's legislative career is marked by her focus on environmental issues, education, and public safety. Following her tenure in the State Senate, she was appointed to the California Energy Commission in January 2025, reflecting her ongoing commitment to energy and environmental policy.

Early life and career

Born on August 12, 1954, Nancy Skinner grew up in California and pursued higher education at the University of California, Berkeley. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Natural Resources and later obtained a Master's in Education from the School of Education at the same institution. During her time at UC Berkeley, Skinner was actively involved in student leadership and advocacy, notably participating in the Anti-Apartheid Movement. She held the position of Academic Affairs Vice President within the Associated Students of the University of California (ASUC) and was a founding member of the Union of Graduate Student Employees, known as ASGE.

Skinner's initial foray into politics began while she was still a student. In 1981, she ran for a seat on the Berkeley City Council but was unsuccessful. Undeterred, she campaigned again in 1984 and won, becoming the first student ever elected to the City Council. Her tenure lasted until 1992, during which she was associated with the Democratic Socialists of America.

After her time on the City Council, Skinner co-founded ICLEI — Local Governments for Sustainability, a coalition aimed at supporting urban areas in addressing environmental challenges. She also played a significant role in establishing Cities for Climate Protection, which includes numerous U.S. member cities focused on climate initiatives. Skinner served as the U.S. director of The Climate Group, an international organization that collaborates with businesses to combat global warming. Additionally, she co-authored a popular book series titled "Fifty Things You Can Do to Save the Earth" and contributed articles on global warming to the San Francisco Chronicle.

Legislative service

Nancy Skinner's legislative career began in earnest when she was elected to the California State Assembly, representing California's 15th State Assembly district from 2008 to 2014. She was re-elected in 2010 and 2012, demonstrating her ability to connect with constituents and address their concerns. In the Assembly, Skinner served as the Budget Chair, where she was instrumental in facilitating significant funding increases for early childhood education and worked to stabilize funding for higher education institutions.

In 2016, Skinner transitioned to the California State Senate, succeeding Senator Loni Hancock, who was termed out of office. She was elected on November 8, 2016, and officially took office on December 5, 2016. During her time in the Senate, Skinner held various leadership roles, including serving as the Majority Whip during the 2017–2018 and 2019–2020 legislative sessions. She also chaired the Senate's Public Safety Committee in 2019, where she focused on issues related to gun violence and public safety.

Skinner's legislative efforts included a range of significant bills aimed at addressing pressing issues in California. Notably, she authored AB 1014, which established the nation's first gun violence restraining order (GVRO), commonly referred to as the "Red Flag" law. This legislation allows for the removal of firearms from individuals deemed a serious threat to themselves or others, reflecting her commitment to public safety.

In addition to her work on gun violence, Skinner was involved in efforts to reform tax laws related to online sales. She introduced legislation aimed at requiring out-of-state online sellers with affiliates in California to collect sales tax on purchases made by state residents. This initiative sought to close loopholes in tax law and generate additional revenue for the state.

Skinner's focus on education was evident in her efforts to expand access to early childhood education and to stabilize funding for higher education institutions in California. As Budget Chair, she played a crucial role in securing the largest funding increase for early childhood education in over a decade, allowing for the enrollment of thousands more children in preschool and quality childcare programs.

Policy focus and district

Throughout her legislative career, Nancy Skinner's policy focus has been characterized by a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, education, and public safety. Representing California's 9th State Senate district, which includes parts of the East Bay, Skinner has worked to address the unique challenges and opportunities faced by her constituents.

Her background in environmental activism has informed her approach to legislation, particularly in relation to energy policy and climate change. Skinner's involvement with various environmental organizations prior to her legislative career has equipped her with the knowledge and experience necessary to advocate for policies that promote sustainability and address global warming.

In her district, Skinner has been a proponent of initiatives that enhance public safety and community well-being. Her work on gun violence prevention, including the establishment of the Red Flag law, reflects her dedication to creating safer communities. Additionally, her efforts to secure funding for education demonstrate her recognition of the importance of investing in the future of California's children and families.

Skinner's legislative achievements and her active engagement with her constituents have established her as a prominent figure in California politics. Her appointment to the California Energy Commission in January 2025 marks a continuation of her commitment to addressing energy and environmental issues at a state level. As she moves forward in her career, Skinner's extensive experience in public service and her dedication to her community will likely continue to influence her work in the realm of energy policy and beyond.