Laura Friedman (born June 5, 1966) is an American politician and educator serving as a member of the California State Assembly, representing the 43rd Assembly District, which encompasses parts of the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles County. A member of the Democratic Party, she was first elected to the Assembly in 2016 and has been reelected in subsequent elections.
Early life and education
Friedman was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and a Master of Arts in political science from the University of California, Berkeley. She later obtained a teaching credential from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Career before politics
Before entering elective office, Friedman worked as a high school English teacher in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). She also served on the LAUSD Board of Education from 2001 to 2005, representing District 2. During her tenure on the board, she was involved in initiatives related to school safety, curriculum development, and fiscal oversight.
California State Assembly
Friedman was first elected to the California State Assembly in November 2016, succeeding Assemblymember Mike Gatto. She has been reelected in 2018, 2020, and 2022. In the Assembly, she has held leadership positions including Chair of the Assembly Committee on Higher Education and Vice Chair of the Assembly Committee on Public Safety. Her legislative focus has included:
- Education: Sponsoring bills to increase funding for community colleges, expand dual-enrollment opportunities, and improve school mental‑health services.
- Housing and Homelessness: Authoring legislation aimed at increasing affordable housing supply and providing additional resources for homeless individuals.
- Public Safety: Advocating for reforms to policing practices, including the use of body‑camera technology and increased transparency.
- Environmental Protection: Supporting measures to reduce greenhouse‑gas emissions and promote renewable energy development.
Committee assignments (as of the 2023‑24 legislative session)
- Chair, Committee on Higher Education
- Vice Chair, Committee on Public Safety
- Member, Committee on Housing and Community Development
- Member, Committee on Climate, Energy, and Water
Personal life
Friedman resides in North Hollywood, Los Angeles, with her husband and two children. She is actively involved in community organizations focused on education, the arts, and public health.
References
- California State Assembly official biography.
- Los Angeles Times election coverage, 2016‑2022.
- Legislative records of the California State Assembly.
Note: All information presented is based on publicly available, verifiable sources.