SACRAMENTO – After securing reelection on November 5th for the new 17th Senate District, John Laird (D – Santa Cruz) was sworn into office today for his last term in the State Senate due to term limits. After redistricting in 2020, the 17th district now includes all of Santa Cruz, San Benito, and Monterey Counties, as well as the majority of San Luis Obispo County.
“During my first term in the State Senate, I worked diligently with my colleagues and the Governor to balance the budget through my role as Chair of the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Education, while at the same time maintaining critical funding to protect our schools,” said Senator Laird. “I also led discussions on advancing the states climate goals to ensure we build upon our progress for future generations. We face numerous challenges in the years ahead, and I look forward to working with new and returning colleagues to fight for all Californians.”
After he is sworn in, Senator Laird will request the creation of a Select Committee on Older LGBTQ+ Needs and will introduce legislation on consumer protection.
Senator Laird was first elected to the Senate in 2020. Previously the Secretary of the California Natural Resources Agency, and a three term Assemblymember, he has authored landmark legislation on environmental protection, sea level rise, battery storage safety, educational opportunity, sustainable agriculture, and electoral reform. During his first term, he also had 59 bills signed into law. A longtime resident of Santa Cruz, Laird is the son of teachers and holds a degree in Politics from UC Santa Cruz.
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Senator John Laird represents the 17th State Senate District, which includes all of Santa Cruz, San Benito, and Monterey Counties, as well as the majority of San Luis Obispo County. More information on Senator Laird can be found here.