Steven Bradford made history as the first African American elected to the Gardena City Council, where he served 12 years and earned a reputation for strengthening job creation, economic growth, and fiscal stability. Facing near-bankruptcy with a $27 million debt, he led efforts to eliminate the debt, establish an $8.5 million reserve, and raise employee salaries without raising taxes or cutting essential services. He also secured substantial federal funds for North Gardena improvement projects, catalyzing neighborhood revitalization.
Public Service Milestones
Gardena City Council: First African American elected; 12 years of service; 1 year as Mayor Pro Tem
California State Assembly: Special Election winner (2009); reelected in 2010 and 2012
California State Senate: Elected in 2017; served 2016–2024 in the 35th district
Leadership and Policy Highlights
Chair, Assembly Committee on Utilities and Commerce; shaped utilities and commerce policy
Presided over hearings on California’s power outages, drawing national attention
Secured federal and state funding for district initiatives, including education, housing, and infrastructure
2021: Elected by peers to serve as Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC); under his leadership, the CLBC advanced health, public safety, education, and economic development initiatives, including $40 million in funding to begin revitalization of Allensworth State Park and Township
In 2022, Senator Bradford had bills signed into law which encourage water conservation, guarantee public health care employees meal breaks and protect the personal information of sellers. Nominated to receive the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) Lifetime Achievement Award. This award goes to legislators whose work has distinguished them from their peers, and whose contributions will continue to have lasting positive effects on the African-American community and our nation as well as add value to the NBCSL organization itself.
Key District Investments
Compton Community College improvements and expansion
Watts Rising for affordable housing, expanded green space, and workforce development
$72 million in revitalization funding for underserved communities within the district
Pandemic-era Legislation and Economic Support
Legislation to assist consumers and businesses during the Pandemic, including eviction relief and foreclosure protections for renters and small landlords
Funding for small business hiring tax credits to stimulate job growth during and after the pandemic
Education and Professional Background
San Diego State University; California State University, Dominguez Hills — B.A. in Political Science; Paralegal Studies Certification
Public affairs leadership roles in the private sector prior to and during public service
Current and Future Focus
Candidate for California Insurance Commissioner in the 2026 election
Emphasis on equitable economic development, affordable housing, workforce development, and resilient public services
Community Impact Highlights
Pioneered fiscal stabilization and debt reduction for Gardena, transforming city finances
Secured multi-million-dollar investments in higher education, housing, parks, and workforce programs
Maintains deep ties to South Los Angeles communities, prioritizing inclusive growth and opportunity
Bradford’s blend of local governance experience, legislative leadership, and private-sector insight positions him as a pragmatic champion for diverse communities, small businesses, and workers seeking sustainable, equitable progress. As a Leadership Advisory Board Member for the Diverse Chamber of Commerce and Industry, he continues to mentor and collaborate with leaders advancing an inclusive, prosperous economic landscape.