STEVEN
MEET
A native of Gardena, California, Senator Steve Bradford is driven by a deep-rooted commitment to community service and social justice. Raised by a mother who worked as a nurse and a father who owned a small business, Bradford learned early on the values of compassion, advocacy, and equity.
He has dedicated his career to championing the rights of marginalized communities and advocating for a more inclusive society. His relentless advocacy spans various sectors, from government and businesses to education and housing, with a singular focus on empowering Californians to achieve the California Dream.
Senator Bradford has been a formidable force in delivering impactful legislation in the California State Senate, having authored and championed laws focusing on issues that impact our daily lives including healthcare, public safety, energy and communications, education, and economic development and revitalization. Notable achievements include laws increasing teacher pay statewide, promoting financial transparency in big banks, and securing fair and affordable energy rates.
As Chair of the Senate Banking Committee and the Select Committee on Boys and Men of Color, he has spearheaded initiatives to promote opportunities for underserved communities.
Prior to his tenure in the Senate, Senator Bradford served in the California State Assembly and on the City Council in the City of Gardena. Throughout his tenure in the legislature, Bradford has served in a range of leadership positions, including as Chair of the Senate and Assembly Energy and Utilities Committee, Chair of the Senate Banking and Financial Institutions Committee, Chair of the Senate Labor and the Senate Public Safety Committee. His advocacy for institutional justice and environmental sustainability earned national recognition.
On his home court, Bradford served as a member of the Gardena City Council, where he successfully led efforts to revitalize the city's economy, eliminate debt, and secure federal funding for community projects. His transformative leadership earned Gardena national acclaim as a model of effective governance and inclusive growth.
In local and state office, Bradford has developed a long record of accomplishments with a depth of knowledge on policy. Outside of politics, Senator Bradford has made significant contributions to environmental conservation, youth empowerment, and community engagement. From establishing recycling programs to coaching youth sports, he has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to improving the lives of Californians.
