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SPOTLIGHT

SEN. STEVEN BRADFORD​

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Steven Bradford is a longtime California leader dedicated to expanding opportunities, equity, and economic growth for communities across Southern California.  Raised in Gardena and educated at Cal State Dominguez Hills, Bradford built his career on creating access, first as the first African American elected to the Gardena City Council, and later as a member of both the California State Assembly and California State Senate.

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Throughout his legislative career, Bradford championed policies that open doors for students, families, and underserved communities. He led major efforts in utilities oversight, criminal justice reform, economic development, and education investment, securing millions of dollars for institutions such as Compton College, CSU Dominguez Hills, and community‑based youth programs.  

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His commitment to equity and community empowerment continues to inspire students to pursue meaningful futures.  His leadership has opened pathways to everyone and his work reflects the core values of STEMMM, real resources, real opportunities and real careers.

Elected to the State Senate in 2016, Bradford represented the 35th District, covering parts of Los Angeles County.

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His legislative work included:

  • Securing millions for Compton College, CSU Dominguez Hills, Watts Rising, and community programs.

  • Authoring the California Cannabis Equity Act, a law expanding equitable participation in the cannabis industry.

  • Co‑authoring the landmark Fair Pay to Play Act (SB 206), allowing college athletes to benefit from their name, image, and likeness.

  • Advancing criminal justice reforms, including support for wrongly convicted individuals and equity-focused sentencing policies.

  • The Ebony Alert, an emergency public notification system to help law enforcement locate missing Black children and young adults.

 

Bradford served on multiple committees, including Banking and Financial Institutions (Chair), Energy, Utilities and Communications, Public Safety, and Appropriations.

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