Barbara Lee is a politician and activist known for her unwavering commitment to social justice and progressive values. She served in Congress for more than 25 years, representing California’s 13th District with principled leadership, fearlessness, and dedication to achieving a more equitable society.
Born in Texas, Lee moved to California as a teenager and attended Mills College in Oakland, where she became active in the civil rights and anti-war movements. She earned her Master’s in Social Work from UC Berkeley, and began her career as a community organizer and advocate for marginalized communities.
Lee’s political career began as an aide to Congressman Ron Dellums. In 1990, she was elected to the California State Assembly and later to the State Senate, where she championed policies addressing poverty, education, and criminal justice reform. In 1998, she won a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, where she quickly distinguished herself as a courageous and principled legislator.
A defining moment of Lee’s career came in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. She was the sole member of Congress to vote against the Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF), warning of the dangers of an open-ended war authorization. Though her stance was controversial at the time, history has vindicated her concerns about unchecked military power and endless wars.
Throughout her tenure in Congress, Lee was a fierce advocate for racial and economic justice, reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and global peace. She played a crucial role in efforts to combat HIV/AIDS, expand healthcare access, and reduce income inequality.
Lee’s long service in Congress recently ended, but she is by no means ready to retire. In January 2025, Lee announced her candidacy for mayor of Oakland. The election will take place in April 2025. NUHW and many labor councils have enthusiastically endorsed her candidacy because of her decades of advocacy for working families.
