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Huffington Post: Five Things You Should Know About Me

By Sandra Fluke on February 26, 2014

My career has always been devoted to the public interest, whether representing victims of human trafficking and domestic violence or advocating for social justice legislation. A few years ago, I was unexpectedly thrust into the public eye when I testified before members of Congress regarding the importance of comprehensive insurance coverage for reproductive health. As the media attention and the personal attacks grew, I knew I could retreat and wait for it to pass, but I believed it was my responsibility to stand up and use the microphone I was given to advance the policies I've always fought for.

I want to serve in the California State Senate for the same reason: it's how I can most effectively fight for the change my community needs. I am asking for the votes of the people of the 26th Senate District because for a decade I've been fighting for legislation on issues that matter to families here in Southern California.

Some folks may know only what national media has highlighted about my work. I've already begun meeting directly with voters throughout this district, but in case we haven't gotten to meet in person yet, here's some of what I'd tell you:

1) I've worked on a myriad of progressive issues
I have done a lot of work to advocate for affordable access to birth control and other reproductive justice concerns, but it is far from the only issue I am passionate about.
I've helped pass legislation ending discrimination against LGBTQ folks in family court, and for over two years worked with a grassroots coalition to pass the California Domestic Worker Bill of Rights. I've advocated for young people to have access to affordable health coverage, for student loan debt relief, and for raising the minimum wage. 

2) I am a proud Angeleno
I am proud of the work I've done over the years to serve my community in Los Angeles. Back in 2010, funded by the Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles, I produced an informative film guide to help victims of domestic violence obtain restraining orders in LA courts. I represented those victims myself at Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles. At the Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking, I'm one of the longest running volunteer attorneys representing victims of human trafficking. I chair a program that trains LA's grassroots advocates at the National Council of Jewish Women of Los Angeles. I have been active on issues impacting families across Los Angeles and look forward to continuing to serve my community as a State Senator.

3) My roots are in the middle class
I grew up in a rural community in a middle class family. My father worked in manufacturing and saw plants open and close, union jobs come and go, for decades. Now he's a pastor. My mother works in a public school as a guidance counselor, and because my family was willing to make sacrifices for me, I was the first person in my dad's family to earn a bachelor's degree. 

When people talk about adequate funding for education, affordability of college, and how we need to work with teachers to improve the education we provide for every child, I understand it on a personal level. When voters talk to me about the middle class getting squeezed, or the lack of job security, I know what that feels like. Like many, my upbringing shaped me and has helped define my positions on education, jobs, and economic justice.

4) Sacramento is where I can most effectively create progressive change
Democrats have a narrow super-majority in Sacramento, and California is a legislative model for other states. While Washington is paralyzed, Sacramento is a place where exciting legislation can become law if there's the right person there to fight for it. I've been fighting for California legislation like the repeal of the family cap on public assistance. As a State Senator, I'll push California to be a progressive leader for the rest of the country.

There's a lot that needs to get done in Sacramento. Successful implementation of the Affordable Care Act is extremely important for the state. We need to protect our fragile environment and beautiful coast. We need to support good job creation to grow our middle class. The list goes on and on.

5) I'm going into this with my eyes wide open
Sacramento is far from perfect. There are too many elected officials who are there to fight for special interests instead of the people who voted them into office. That's why we need a fresh perspective, and a representative who doesn't need to repay decades of political favors. 

I'm not that kind of insider special interest candidate, so I am going to have several well-funded opponents. Deep-pocketed special interests are already weighing in on behalf of other candidates. Because the 26th State Senate District has almost one million residents, this will be a big, expensive campaign. I will need the support of everyone who stood with me in 2012! 

Although this will be a tough campaign, I have never backed down from a fight, and I know how important the change I'm for is. I am excited to work hard every day in neighborhoods from Redondo Beach to Santa Monica, from Torrance to West Hollywood.

Now you know me a little better. Those who know me best will tell you that I've always fought for progressive change and that I'll make my constituents proud. Please visit www.standwithsandra.org to join me in this fight.

Stand with Sandra


    Latest News

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    October 21, 2014 by Kaya Masler
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    October 21, 2014 by Kaya Masler
  • Daily Breeze Reports: Sandra Fluke claims fundraising lead over opponent Ben Allen in Senate race
    October 17, 2014 by Kaya Masler

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Endorsements

  • Sandra Fluke is a champion for California women and their families. She bravely spoke up on Capitol Hill in defense of contraceptive coverage and has been a tireless advocate in California on behalf of legislation like last year’s Abortion Access Bill (AB 154, Atkins). She is not only a pro-choice candidate, but part of a new generation of progressive leaders fighting for reproductive justice. In the Senate, Sandra will join a committed pro-choice majority. Endorsing Sandra was an obvious choice, because we know that she will be a champion and leader for reproductive rights in Sacramento. We’re so excited to help her get there.

    -Amy Everitt, State Director, NARAL Pro-Choice California

  • She is one of a fresh, new generation of feminists, and it is exciting to see her take this step in her political career. I know Sandra will fight in Sacramento for progressive values and change to better the lives of everyone in her district. I look forward to supporting her campaign from now until Election Day!

    -Gloria Steinem

  • Although I would have loved to have her as a colleague in Congress, the people of the 26th Senate District will be lucky to have Sandra fighting for them. Sandra will be able to create the progressive change in Sacramento that unfortunately Congress is unable to achieve in this political climate. This is a great first step for Sandra’s political career and I wholeheartedly endorse her for State Senate.

    -Congresswoman Janice Hahn

  • I am thrilled to endorse Sandra’s bid for State Senate. She is a true progressive leader who has already worked to pass important legislation here in California. As chair of the Education Committee, I know the importance of early childhood education, one of many issues Sandra has championed. Her future constituents will be lucky to have her be their voice in Sacramento.

    -Carol Liu

  • I’ve had the privilege of working with Sandra Fluke several times. I’m impressed with her expertise and eloquence. She is just the kind of advocate with a fresh perspective that we need in Sacramento. I’m confident Sandra will stand up for what is right to protect reproductive freedom, and she’ll be a strong voice as a leader from within a new generation of progressives. I’m proud to support her for election to the California Senate.

    -Sarah Weddington, Attorney who argued the Roe v. Wade case

  • I am pleased and delighted to endorse Sandra for the State Senate. Sandra and I have worked together on legislation to advance issues of gender equality and reproductive justice and as Vice Chair of the Legislative Women’s Caucus, I am proud to offer her my support.

    -State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson

  • I am proud to stand with Sandra Fluke in her bid for California State Senate. Sandra is a strong, hardworking, and dedicated individual with an impressive passion for public service. She is a strong role model and is the right choice to fight for equality and progress in Sacramento.

    -Jennifer Siebel Newsom

  • I am proud to stand with Sandra Fluke in her bid to serve in the California State Senate. Sandra has long been a fearless advocate for women’s rights especially those of women veterans. I am confident that she will, with unwavering courage and endless commitment, continue to serve all who have served our country.

    -Kristen Kavanaugh, Chair, CDP Veterans’ Caucus, Committee on Women Veterans

  • During my 2012 campaign, Sandra came to Rochester and stood with me. I got to know her and I was deeply impressed with her willingness to fight for what she believed in. She remains a champion for women’s health, and has spoken out this year in support of equal pay and access to contraception. She also speaks out for issues that don’t get as much coverage: human trafficking, skyrocketing student loan debt and workers’ rights. I’m proud to support Sandra’s run for State Senate.

    -U.S. Representative Louise Slaughter (NY-25), Ranking Member on the House Rules Committee

  • Sandra Fluke is a fighter, and I know she will make a real difference in the lives of her constituents. Sandra is an incredibly effective champion for the issues that matter to Angelenos. I’m impressed by the work she’s done for victims of human trafficking and domestic violence, as well as her legislative advocacy for worker protections and access to education. I’m proud to endorse Sandra Fluke for State Senate.

    -Honorable Joy Picus, Former Los Angeles City Councilmember

  • I’m proud to endorse Sandra Fluke for State Senate. From our water crisis, to fracking, to the region’s significant transportation challenges – we need an environmental champion in the State Senate fighting every day to protect our communities, and Sandra is that champion. Sandra is a pragmatic and experienced leader who will be a strong advocate for the environment.

    -Nancy Sutley, Former Chair, White House Council on Environmental Quality

  • As a veteran and survivor of sexual assault in the military, I have learned that real strength is the courage to stand up in the face of adversity regardless of how tall the challenge may seem. I support Sandra Fluke because she has the strength and dedication required to represent women and veterans and will ensure that veteran issues are a top priority when she goes to Sacramento.

    -Kate Weber, Mom, Veteran, Advocate, Survivor. 2013 Veteran of the year by the California Democratic Party and Woman Veteran Leader of the Year by Cal Vet

  • In 2012 when I was running for Congress, Sandra came and stood with me. I got to know her as we campaigned together, and I was incredibly impressed by her commitment to California and her willingness to fight for change. Sandra is definitely never one to back down from a challenge! I’m proud to stand with her now and I fully endorse her campaign for State Senate.

    -Congressman Scott Peters

  • I’m endorsing Sandra’s run for California State Senate. She represents a new generation of progressive leadership and she’ll be a fresh voice in government. I’m standing with Sandra and I hope you will, too.​

    -Congressman Joaquin Castro

  • I am so happy to endorse my friend, Sandra Fluke! Sandra has been a strong advocate for social justice and the LGBTQ community. Even before she was known on the national stage, she co-founded a statewide coalition that passed legislation to eliminate discrimination against LGBTQ people in family court, helping protect parents like mine. I know she’ll be a fighter for her constituents and she’ll bring to Sacramento a fresh perspective on progressive issues.

    -Zach Wahls, LGBTQ Rights Activist

  • I strongly admire Sandra’s public service on a number of issues and I am so excited for her to step forward and run for State Senate. Sandra Fluke will be an effective voice for her community and her generation.

    -Christine Pelosi, Chair, Women’s Caucus, California Democratic Party

Paid for by Stand with Sandra Fluke for State Senate 2014 FPPC ID # 1363476
PO Box 931, Agoura Hills, CA 91376

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