Laura Friedman

Laura Friedman, a Jewish Democratic representative for California’s 30th Congressional District, was born in New York on December 3, 1966. She earned a B.A. in Philosophy/Film from the University of Rochester in 1988. After graduating, Friedman built a successful career in the entertainment industry, holding positions at Paramount Pictures, Rysher Entertainment, and the Cort/Madden Company. She also taught film production at Chapman College and the University of California, Los Angeles. In 2000, Friedman ventured into entrepreneurship, establishing two businesses, LSF Management and PlanetGlass.net, which she owned and operated until 2011.

Friedman’s passion for public service led her to enter politics in 2009 when she was elected to the Glendale City Council. She championed progressive causes during her tenure, spearheading the city’s first Project Labor Agreement. She served as mayor of Glendale from 2011 to 2012. In 2016, Friedman was elected to represent California’s 43rd Assembly District in the California State Assembly.

While in the state Assembly, Friedman advocated for progressive policies. Her legislative achievements include authoring and supporting bills to increase access to healthcare, lower drug prices, add affordable housing, end the fur trade in California, and combat climate change. Friedman also played a crucial role in reforming the legislature’s handling of sexual harassment allegations, chairing the Joint Rules Subcommittee on Sexual Harassment Prevention and Response.

Following redistricting in 2022, Friedman successfully ran for re-election in the newly drawn 44th Assembly District. She continued to serve as Assistant Speaker Pro Tempore, a position she had held since 2018. Friedman’s legislative work in this term focused on transportation, environmental sustainability, and civil rights protection. She chaired the powerful Transportation Committee and served on several other key committees, including Arts, Entertainment, Sports, Tourism, and Internet Media; Budget; Natural Resources; and Water, Parks, and Wildlife.

In November 2024, Friedman transitioned to national politics, winning a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives for California’s 30th Congressional District. Her victory marked a significant milestone as she became the first woman to represent the district in Congress. Friedman succeeded longtime Representative Adam Schiff, who vacated the seat to run for the U.S. Senate.

Friedman’s campaign focused on several key issues, including healthcare, the environment, women’s rights, housing, transportation, and LGBTQIA+, civil and worker rights.

Friedman is a self-proclaimed progressive, pro-Israel legislator. She has family in Israel and visited the country for the first time in 2019 on a delegation with California Legislative Jewish Caucus members. She is a member of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus and was endorsed by the Jewish Democratic Council of America (JDCA) and Democrats for Israel Los Angeles and California. Friedman is a founding member of the California Legislative Progressive Caucus.

Friedman believes that Israel has a right to defend itself but also advocates for the protection of civilians. She has faced criticism from both pro-Palestinian activists who accuse her of being “pro-genocide” and some in the pro-Israel community who believe she is not supportive enough of Israel. Friedman sees a need for nuanced conversations around Israel, especially within the Democratic party. She helped craft a resolution calling for a ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza conflict that was adopted unanimously by the Los Angeles County Democratic Party. This resolution acknowledged the complexities of the conflict, urging the release of hostages and the end of Hamas rule in Gaza while also calling for a lasting peace that respects the rights of both Israelis and Palestinians.

Friedman believes her experience building bridges between progressive and pro-Israel groups will be valuable in Congress. She views her Jewish identity as a source of strength and has spoken about her commitment to combating anti-Semitism.

Friedman is married and has one daughter.

Sources: “Laura Friedman,” Ballotpedia.
“Laura Friedman’s Biography,” VoteSmart.
“About Laura,” lauraforcongress.org
Matthew Kassel, “Schiff’s likely House successor vows to continue his pro-Israel legacy, from a progressive perch,” JewishInsider (March 19, 2024).

Photo: California State Assembly, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.