Anthony Portantino

Anthony Portantino
Name	Anthony Portantino
Caption	Portantino in 2017
State senate	California
District	25th
Term start	December 5, 2016
Predecessor	Carol Liu
Party	Democratic
Birth date	2 October 1963
Birth place	Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
Alma mater	University of Southern California (BA)
Spouse	Ellen Portantino

Anthony Portantino is an American politician serving as a member of the California State Senate for the 25th district. A member of the Democratic Party, he was first elected to the California State Assembly in 2006, representing the 44th district, before winning election to the California State Senate in 2016. Portantino is known for his legislative work on issues including gun violence, environmental protection, and government transparency.

Early life and education

Anthony Portantino was born on October 2, 1963, in Newark, New Jersey. He was raised in a family with a background in public service and later moved to Southern California. He attended the University of Southern California, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science. During his time at USC, he became involved in student government and developed an early interest in public policy and community organizing.

Career

Prior to entering elected office, Portantino worked in the film industry and served as a councilmember and later as mayor for the city of La Cañada Flintridge. His tenure in local government focused on land use planning, public safety, and fiscal responsibility. This experience provided a foundation for his subsequent campaigns for the California State Legislature. He also served as a district director for former Congressman Adam Schiff.

California State Senate

Portantino was elected to the California State Senate in November 2016, succeeding termed-out Senator Carol Liu. He represents the 25th Senate District, which includes communities in Los Angeles County and the San Gabriel Valley such as Pasadena, Glendale, and Burbank. In the Senate, he chairs the influential Appropriations Committee and serves on committees including Education and Business, Professions and Economic Development. He has been a key figure in budget negotiations and has advocated for increased funding for public schools and state universities.

Political positions and legislation

Portantino has authored significant legislation on a range of issues. He is a prominent advocate for gun control, having authored the Age 21 Act to raise the firearm purchase age and bills to strengthen ammunition regulations. On environmental issues, he has carried legislation to protect the San Gabriel Mountains and expand renewable energy incentives. He is also known for his "Sunshine in Government" efforts, including a law to make legislative records public. Other notable bills address mental health services, affordable housing, and consumer protection.

Electoral history

In the 2006 election, Portantino won the 44th California State Assembly district, defeating Republican nominee Michael D. Antonovich. He was re-elected in 2008 and 2010. In 2012, due to redistricting, he ran in the 41st Assembly District but was narrowly defeated by Chris Holden. He returned to elected office in 2016, winning the California State Senate 25th district election against Republican Mike Antonovich. He was re-elected in 2020 and again in 2024.

Personal life

Portantino resides in La Cañada Flintridge with his wife, Ellen Portantino. They have two daughters. He is an avid supporter of local arts and education foundations, including the Pasadena Playhouse and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking in the San Gabriel Mountains and is a fan of USC Trojans football.

Category:1963 births Category:Living people Category:California State Senators Category:Democratic Party members of the California State Senate Category:University of Southern California alumni Category:People from La Cañada Flintridge, California Category:People from Newark, New Jersey