María Elena Durazo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
María Elena Durazo
|
|
|---|---|
Official portrait, 2018
|
|
| Member of the California State Senate | |
| Assumed office December 3, 2018 |
|
| Preceded by | Kevin de León |
| Constituency | 24th district (2018–2022) 26th district (2022–present) |
| Vice Chair of the Democratic National Committee | |
| In office 2013–2021 Serving with Michael Blake, Ken Martin, and Grace Meng
|
|
| Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor | |
| In office May 15, 2006 – December 31, 2014 |
|
| Preceded by | Martin Ludlow |
| Succeeded by | Rusty Hicks |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
María Elena Durazo
March 20, 1953 Madera, California, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
Miguel Contreras
(m. 1988; died 2005) |
| Children | Mario Salazar Michael Contreras |
| Residence | Los Angeles, California |
| Alma mater | St. Mary's College People's College of Law |
| Occupation | AFL–CIO Trade Unionist |
María Elena Durazo (born March 20, 1953) is an American politician who serves in the California State Senate. She is a member of the Democratic Party. From 2018 to 2022, she represented California's 24th State Senatorial district. Since 2022, she has represented the 26th district. This district includes areas like Central Los Angeles, Northeast Los Angeles, East Los Angeles, and Vernon.
Before becoming a State Senator, she was a leader in trade unions. She worked to improve conditions for workers. She was the Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor from 2006 to 2014. She also served as an Executive Vice President of the national AFL-CIO and Vice Chair of the Democratic National Committee.
About María Elena Durazo
Early Life and Activism
María Elena Durazo is the daughter of Mexican immigrants. When she was young, she spent summers working in the fields of California's Central Valley. She picked fruits like peaches, strawberries, and grapes.
Her experiences and the work of Cesar Chavez inspired her. Chavez was a famous leader who fought for the rights of farmworkers. María Elena wanted to help people too.
She attended St. Mary's College and graduated in 1975. Later, in 1985, she graduated from the Peoples College of Law in Los Angeles. After her studies, she began working to organize workers for the International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union.
In 1983, she joined the Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees Union (HERE) Local 11. She became President of Local 11 in May 1989 and served until 2006. She led protests to help workers get fair treatment. In 1993, she was even arrested during a protest for workers' rights at the New Otani Hotel. She later became an Executive Vice President of UNITE-HERE International.
From 2000 to 2004, she was part of the National AFL-CIO's Immigration Committee. She also led the Immigrant Workers' Freedom Ride in 2003. This was a big event to support immigrant workers' rights.
Leading the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor
In 2005, María Elena's husband, Miguel Contreras, passed away. He had also been a leader at the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor. This organization represents 600,000 workers in Los Angeles County.
María Elena Durazo became the first woman to lead this important organization. She was appointed interim Executive Secretary-Treasurer in February 2006. She was then voted in as the permanent leader on May 15, 2006. She served in this role until October 2014.
Under her leadership, the Federation became very influential. She helped get allies elected to the Los Angeles City Council. She also pushed for a law that required large hotels in Los Angeles to pay workers at least $15.37 an hour. This was one of the highest minimum wages in the country at the time.
In 2008, María Elena Durazo supported Barack Obama for president. She took time off from her job to help his campaign. She became a national co-chair for his campaign and a delegate at the 2008 Democratic National Convention.
In 2010, she was elected to the national AFL-CIO Executive Council. In 2013, she became a Vice Chair of the Democratic National Committee. Many people saw her as a very influential person in Los Angeles politics. The Nation magazine named her "Most Valuable Local Labor Leader" in 2014.
Serving in the California State Senate
In April 2017, María Elena Durazo announced she would run for the California State Senate. She said that Donald Trump's election in 2016 motivated her to run for public office. She won the election and started her term on December 3, 2018.
After new district maps were drawn in 2022, she began representing the 26th district. This district covers parts of Central Los Angeles, Northeast Los Angeles, East Los Angeles, and the City of Vernon.
Since becoming a Senator, Durazo has focused on several key issues. These include workers' rights, protecting immigrants, housing policies, and making the economy fairer for everyone.
Helping Workers and Fair Wages
Senator Durazo has worked hard to ensure workers receive fair pay.
- She wrote Senate Bill 525. This bill created California's first statewide minimum wage specifically for healthcare workers. It set a path for them to earn $25 per hour. This helps over 400,000 healthcare workers. The goal is to help with staff shortages and improve patient care.
- She also supported Senate Bills 62 and 639. These bills gradually stopped the use of very low wages for garment workers and workers with disabilities. SB 62 made sure garment workers are paid for all their time working. SB 639 ended a rule that allowed some employers to pay disabled workers much less than minimum wage, sometimes as low as $2 per hour.
Healthcare for All Californians
Durazo was a key leader in California's Health4All plan. This plan expanded Medi-Cal, which is California's health program, to more people. It means that all eligible Californians can get healthcare, no matter their immigration status. Her efforts led to laws that provide full Medi-Cal coverage to nearly 2 million residents.
Making Criminal Justice Fairer
Senator Durazo wrote Senate Bill 731. This law made it easier for over a million Californians to clear their records. It automatically cleared records for arrests that did not lead to convictions. It also allowed people with certain non-violent felony convictions to ask for their records to be sealed. This law helps people find jobs, housing, and participate in their communities after past mistakes.
Working on Housing Solutions
Durazo has also been involved in housing issues. She voted against a bill (SB 79) that aimed to increase apartment and commercial building near public transportation. She believed the bill did not require developers to provide enough benefits for communities. For example, she thought it should require more homes for low-income renters.
Committee Roles
Senator Durazo serves on several important committees. These include the Budget and Fiscal Review Committee, Health Committee, Housing Committee, Judiciary Committee, and Labor, Public Employment, and Retirement Committee. She is currently the Chair of the Local Government Committee.
Future Plans
In 2025, María Elena Durazo announced she is running for the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. She hopes to represent District 1.
Personal Life
In 1988, María Elena Durazo married Miguel Contreras. He was also a union activist.
She has received an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from the California State University Board of Trustees. This award recognized her important work and dedication to improving life in the region.
