Julia Brownley
Julia Andrews Brownley (born August 28, 1952) is an American businesswoman and politician who has been the United States representative for California's 26th congressional district since 2013. A Democrat, she served in the California State Assembly from 2006 to 2012. Before her political career, she worked in marketing and sales. Early life, education, and career. Brownley grew up in Virginia, and attended Fairfax Hall, an established girls' boarding school in Waynesboro, for four years. She came from a Republican family. Brownley received a bachelor's degree in political science from Mount Vernon College for Women of George  Washington University in 1975 and a master's degree in business administration from American University in 1979. Brownley served on the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District Board of Education from 1994 to 2006. During her time on the school board, she served three terms as president. California State Assembly (2007–2013). Elections. In 2006, Brownley ran for the California State Assembly in California's 41st Assembly district. She won a five-way Democratic primary with 35% of the vote and the general election with 62% of the vote. In 2008, she was reelected with 66% of the vote. In 2010 , she was reelected to a third term with 59% of the vote. Brownley was term-limited in 2012, having served the maximum of three terms in the Assembly permitted under California law. She was endorsed by the League of Conservation Voters. Tenure. In 2010, Brownley authored a bill that would have banned all plastic shopping bags. It did not pass. Committee assignments. Brownley served on the following California State Assembly committees: U.S. House of Representatives (2013–present). Elections. In February 2012, Brownley announced her candidacy for California's 26th congressional district. The district had previously been the 24th district, represented  by 13-term Republican Elton Gallegly. In the general election, Brownley defeated Republican Tony Strickland, 53%-47%. She was endorsed by Emily's List and Planned Parenthood. Brownley was reelected over Republican Jeff Gorell in the general election. She is a member of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee's Frontline Program, which is designed to help protect vulnerable Democratic incumbents. After Republican candidates garnered over 50% of the vote in the June blanket primary, the Cook Political Report changed the rating of the race from "Leans Democratic" to "Toss-up." The race did become close, making for closer scrutiny of the  results. Initial results showed Brownley winning 51% to 49%, with about 4,000 votes separating the candidates. Political positions. Brownley supports the DREAM Act, the Affordable Care Act, and same-sex marriage. She has advocated increased insurance company regulation, job training funds, toxic cleanup, and increased public education funding. Since her election to Congress, Brownley has voted with the Democratic Party 93% of the time. On November 19, 2015, she voted for HR 4038, legislation that would effectively halt the resettlement of refugees from Syria and Iraq to the United States. As of October 2021, Brownley had voted in line with  Joe Biden's stated position 100% of the time. Personal life. Brownley is divorced and has two children.