Maria Elena Durazo

Maria Elena Durazo is a long-time labor leader and politician currently serving as a California State Senator. Born in Madera, California, to migrant farm worker parents, her early experiences shaped her career in activism. She is a graduate of St. Mary's College and the People's College of Law. Before her election to the State Senate in 2018, Durazo served as the Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO, and as an Executive Vice President of UNITE-HERE International. She also served as a Vice Chair of the Democratic National Committee and was a national co-chair for Barack Obama's presidential campaign.