Barbara Lee has dedicated her life to fighting for justice, opportunity, and real results for Oakland. From being a single mother attending Mills College and UC Berkeley to serving in the State Legislature and Congress for nearly three decades, Barbara’s leadership has always been rooted in the needs of the community.
In Congress, she delivered billions of dollars to improve Oakland’s neighborhoods, public safety, and economy. She secured funding for 15 police officers and 35 firefighters, directed $15.8 million to community safety programs, invested $70.8 million in safer, greener streets, allocated $87.3 million to uplift small businesses, and brought in $400 million to expand and modernize the Port of Oakland.
Barbara understands the struggles of everyday people because she has lived them. She overcame domestic violence, relied on public assistance, and raised two sons while earning her degrees. As a teenager, she risked her life undergoing an unsafe, illegal abortion—an experience that fuels her unwavering commitment to reproductive rights.
Her courage is legendary. In the wake of 9/11, when every other member of Congress voted to grant the president unlimited war powers, Barbara stood alone, casting the sole “no” vote. She stood for accountability and justice, even when it meant standing alone.
As the first Black woman elected to the State Legislature and Congress representing Northern California, Barbara has broken barriers throughout her career. She has secured over half a billion dollars in federal funding for Oakland, led efforts to combat HIV/AIDS by securing billions in funding and saving 25 million lives, and championed cannabis justice reform as Co-Chair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus. A former small business owner who employed over 400 people, she has also been a powerful advocate for economic opportunity. As a member of the House Budget and Appropriations Committees, she fought for fiscal responsibility and accountability in federal spending.
Barbara Lee has always been a fighter, standing up for what is right and delivering real results for the people of Oakland.