Barbara Lee

Democrat Representative of California's 12th district

  • Representative

    California, district 12

    January 3, 2023 - January 3, 2025

202-225-2661

@RepBarbaraLee

lee.house.gov

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14

Congresses Served

14

House Terms

July 16, 1946 (78 years old)

Birthday

  • Has served as a U.S. representative since 1998
  • Born and raised in Texas, educated at Mills College and the University of California, Berkeley
  • Started her career working on Shirley Chisholm’s presidential campaign and was involved with the Black Panther Party
  • Served in the California State Assembly and State Senate before being elected to the House of Representatives
  • Noted for her progressive stance, chaired the Congressional Progressive Caucus and the Congressional Black Caucus
  • Founding member and vice chair of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus, co-chair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, and co-chair of the House Democratic Steering Committee
  • Played a significant role in the antiwar movement, especially known for her vocal criticism of the Iraq War and for being the only member of Congress to vote against the authorization of use of force following the September 11 attacks
  • Was a candidate for the United States Senate in the 2024 election but did not win
  • Involved in early political activism, including volunteering at the Black Panther Party’s Community Learning Center and working on Bobby Seale’s mayoral campaign
  • Authored 67 bills that were signed into law during her time in the California State Legislature, including acts focused on hate crimes prevention and violence against women
  • Has a strong advocacy record for gun control, environmental protection, education, and cannabis law reform
  • Opposed the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force, making her the only member of Congress to vote against it
  • Has been critical of military actions and foreign policy decisions, including opposition to supplying cluster munitions to Ukraine
  • Supports legislation restricting the availability of guns and has participated in sit-ins against gun violence
  • Introduced the Women and Climate Change Act to address the disproportionate effect of climate change on women
  • Pro-choice advocate, sharing her personal story to highlight the importance of reproductive rights
  • Has received various awards for her courage and advocacy, including the Seán MacBride Peace Prize and the Mario Cuomo Act of Courage Award