Nancy Skinner

Nancy Skinner is an American politician serving as a member of the California State Senate representing the Bay Area's 9th district. A member of the Democratic Party, she previously served in the California State Assembly and on the Berkeley City Council. Skinner is known as a progressive legislator focused on environmental policy, criminal justice reform, and housing.

Early life and education

Born and raised in Berkeley, California, Skinner was influenced by the city's activist political culture. She attended the University of California, Berkeley, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Conservation of Natural Resources. Her early engagement in politics included involvement with the University of California Student Association and advocacy for divestment from South Africa under apartheid. She later returned to University of California, Berkeley to complete a Master of Arts in Education.

Political career

Skinner's political career began with her election to the Berkeley City Council in 1984, where she served until 1992. During her tenure, she worked on policies promoting recycling, affordable housing, and tenant rights. After leaving the council, she remained active in environmental advocacy, working with organizations like the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives. In 2006, she was elected to the California State Assembly, succeeding Loni Hancock. In the Assembly, she chaired the Natural Resources Committee and the Legislative Women's Caucus. In 2016, she was elected to the California State Senate, again succeeding Hancock, and has served as chair of the Budget Subcommittee on Public Safety.

Electoral history

In the 2006 election for the 15th Assembly District, Skinner defeated Republican candidate Claire Chiara. She was re-elected in 2008, 2010, and 2012, often running unopposed in the heavily Democratic East Bay district. In 2014, she was termed out of the Assembly. In the 2016 election for the 9th State Senate District, she won the Democratic primary against Sandré Swanson and later defeated Republican candidate Richmond Councilmember Jovanka Beckles in the general election. She was re-elected in 2020.

Political positions and legislation

A prominent environmental legislator, Skinner authored the California Clean Energy Jobs Act (Proposition 39) and the Global Warming Solutions Act implementation bill AB 32. She has authored significant criminal justice reforms, including the SB 1437 which reformed felony murder rules in California, and the SB 132 which established protections for transgender inmates in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. On housing, she authored the SB 35 to streamline affordable housing production and the SB 9 to allow for duplex and lot splits in single-family zones. She has also been a vocal advocate for police reform, authoring the SB 2 to create a statewide decertification process for officers.

Personal life

Skinner resides in Berkeley, California. She is an avid runner and has completed several marathons. Her personal interests include sustainable agriculture and she is a supporter of the Berkeley Farmers' Markets. She maintains close ties to the University of California, Berkeley community and frequently participates in events at the Goldman School of Public Policy.

Category:California State Senators Category:Members of the California State Assembly Category:Berkeley City Council members Category:University of California, Berkeley alumni Category:Living people