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Hilda Solis

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Hilda Solis
NameHilda Solis
CaptionOfficial portrait, 2009
Office25th United States Secretary of Labor
PresidentBarack Obama
Term startFebruary 24, 2009
Term endJanuary 22, 2013
PredecessorElaine Chao
SuccessorThomas Perez
Office1Member of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors from the 1st district
Term start1December 1, 2014
Term end1December 5, 2022
Predecessor1Gloria Molina
Successor1Holly J. Mitchell
State2California
District231st (2003–2013), 32nd (2001–2003)
Term start2January 3, 2001
Term end2February 24, 2009
Predecessor2Matthew G. Martínez
Successor2Grace Napolitano
PartyDemocratic
Alma materCalifornia State Polytechnic University, Pomona (BA), University of Southern California (MPA)
Birth date20 October 1957
Birth placeLos Angeles, California, U.S.

Hilda Solis is an American politician and public official who has served in significant roles at the local, state, and federal levels. A member of the Democratic Party, she made history as the first Latino woman to serve in the California State Senate and later as the United States Secretary of Labor under President Barack Obama. Her career has been defined by advocacy for environmental justice, workers' rights, and expanding economic opportunities for underserved communities, particularly in her native Southern California.

Early life and education

Born in Los Angeles to immigrant parents from Nicaragua and Mexico, she was raised in the San Gabriel Valley communities of La Puente and Pico Rivera. Her father, a United Farm Workers shop steward, and her mother, an assembly line worker, instilled in her a strong sense of social justice. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona and later a Master of Public Administration from the University of Southern California.

Early political career

Her political career began in the Carter administration, working in the Office of Hispanic Affairs within the White House. She later served as a management analyst for the Office of Management and Budget. Returning to California, she was elected to the Rio Hondo Community College District Board of Trustees. In 1992, she won a seat in the California State Assembly, representing the 57th Assembly district, and in 1994, she was elected to the California State Senate, representing the 24th Senate district.

U.S. House of Representatives

In 2000, she was elected to the United States House of Representatives, succeeding Matthew G. Martínez in what was then California's 31st congressional district. During her tenure, she served on influential committees including the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and the House Committee on Natural Resources. She was a principal co-author of the Green Jobs Act of 2007 and a vocal proponent for the Employee Free Choice Act. Her district was renumbered as California's 32nd congressional district after the 2000 United States census.

U.S. Secretary of Labor

In 2009, President Barack Obama nominated her to lead the United States Department of Labor; she was confirmed by the United States Senate with an 80–17 vote. As Secretary, she vigorously enforced occupational safety and health laws, wage and hour regulations, and oversaw the implementation of key provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. She prioritized modernizing the department's Workforce Investment Act programs and championed initiatives to protect vulnerable workers, including those in the garment industry and agriculture.

Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors

After leaving the Obama administration, she was elected to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors in 2014, representing the First District. She focused on criminal justice reform, expanding access to healthcare, and addressing homelessness. She chaired the board and oversaw the implementation of major county initiatives, including the Los Angeles County Civilian Oversight Commission for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and significant investments in public transit and affordable housing.

Political positions and legacy

Throughout her career, she has been a progressive voice for labor unions, environmental protection, and immigration reform. She received the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award in 2000 for her work on environmental justice in California. Her legacy includes pioneering representation for Latino communities in American politics and advancing policies that link economic development with social equity and environmental sustainability. Her work has influenced subsequent legislation and political movements across Los Angeles County and the nation.

Category:1957 births Category:Living people Category:American people of Mexican descent Category:American people of Nicaraguan descent Category:California State Senators Category:Members of the United States House of Representatives from California Category:United States Secretaries of Labor Category:Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors members