Dr. Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D. was born September 20, 1948. A democrat representing portions of San Diego County, Dr. Weber previously served as the Assemblymember for California’s 79th District from 2012 to 2021. During her tenue, she authored successful legislation on public safety and criminal justice reform, educational equity, and the restoration and expansion of voting rights. She also served as Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus from 2018 to 2020. A career educator, Dr. Weber was a founding faculty member of the Department of Africana Studies as San Diego State University where she taught and served as department chair for nearly four decades. She also served eight years as school board member and chair of San Diego Unified School District Board of Trustees. She continues her lifelong dedication to equality and fairness in her new role as California Secretary of State.