Oakland, CA – Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) released the following statement congratulating Dr. Shirley Weber on her historic appointment to serve as California’s Secretary of State:
“Congratulations to Assemblywoman Shirley Weber on her appointment to serve as California’s Secretary of State. Dr. Weber has been a bold leader throughout her career, most recently on her groundbreaking bill to study and propose reparations for Black people, which Governor Newsom signed into law in September. She is a fighter for equality and a true public servant, and I know she will be a great Secretary of State for all Californians.”
Governor Newsom Appoints First Black Secretary Of State, Dr. Shirley Weber
Governor Gavin Newsom announced that he will submit to the State Legislature the nomination of San Diego Assemblymember and Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus, Dr. Shirley N. Weber, as the next California Secretary of State, filling the seat that will be vacated by Secretary of State Alex Padilla once he assumes office in the United States Senate.
An Assemblymember since 2012, former President of the San Diego Board of Education and a retired Africana Studies Department professor for 40 years at San Diego State University, Dr. Weber will become the first-ever African American to serve as Secretary of State in California. She has been a voice of moral clarity in the Legislature, one who her colleagues have looked to for leadership on issues of social justice, including authoring the California Act to Save Lives, landmark legislation passed and signed by Governor Newsom in 2019 setting new, higher standards on the use of deadly force by police. The nomination is subject to confirmation by the California State Assembly and Senate within 90 days.