Laura Friedman

Laura Friedman is a member of the Democratic Party and has served as the U.S. Representative for California's 30th District since January 3, 2025. She was first elected to Congress in the 2024 general election, succeeding Adam Schiff. Friedman holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Rochester and began her professional career in the private sector as a film and television producer and head of development. Before her congressional service, Friedman represented the 44th and 43rd districts in the California State Assembly from 2016 to 2024. During her time in the Assembly, she chaired the Transportation Committee and the Natural Resources Committee, and served as Assistant Speaker pro Tempore. Her local government experience includes serving on the Glendale City Council from 2009 to 2016, including a term as Mayor from 2011 to 2012. In the legislature, Friedman built a reputation for her work on environmental sustainability and infrastructure reform. She authored landmark legislation to improve road safety, eliminate parking requirements near transit stations, and ban the sale of new fur products in California. She also led a bipartisan reform of the state legislature's response to sexual harassment which became a model for other governments.

Friedman is a progressive Democrat who advocates for universal healthcare, including single-payer systems, and has consistently supported the expansion of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to lower prescription drug costs. A prominent environmentalist, she focuses on climate change mitigation, water conservation, and protecting biodiversity, frequently supporting zero-emission vehicle mandates and the green energy transition. On housing, she supports 'YIMBY' (Yes In My Back Yard) policies to increase housing density near transit centers to address affordability and homelessness. She is also a vocal supporter of reproductive freedom, gun violence prevention measures, and LGBTQ+ rights. In foreign policy, she characterizes herself as a progressive, pro-Israel legislator, emphasizing both security for Israel and the pursuit of regional stability.