Jackie Speier
U.S. House, CA
An urgent special election. Former state Sen. Jackie Speier won her April 8 special election to fill the seat of the late Rep. Tom Lantos, who died Feb. 11. An 18-year veteran of the state legislature, Speier mobilized quickly to put together a winning campaign. By winning 50 percent April 8, she avoided a costly runoff and immediately was seated in the House. Speier becomes the 70th pro-choice Democratic woman EMILY’s List has helped elect to Congress!
Uncommon courage, concrete results. For more than 30 years, Jackie Speier has been a progressive leader in California politics. She began her career as an aide to the late U.S. Rep. Leo Ryan, and was gravely injured in 1978, when Ryan was killed in a shooting with members of Jim Jones’s People’s Temple cult in Jonestown, Guyana. This experience is intrinsic to Speier’s commitment to public service. She served on the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors and, during 10 years in the state Assembly and eight in the Senate, shepherded over 300 bills into law. A staunch defender of reproductive freedom, Speier has earned perfect marks from pro-choice groups throughout her career.
A rare Democratic open seat. When he announced his retirement in January, Lantos endorsed Speier to replace him in this safely Democratic seat. His sudden death means Speier was forced to mobilize quickly for a special election. She’s also been endorsed by U.S. Sens. Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein, along with a slew of California lawmakers who have worked alongside her and respect her ability to get things done. Now seated in Congress, Speier still must prepare to campaign for a full term in November.