Preceded by Holly Mitchell Occupation Public Servant Education Morehouse College Alma mater Morehouse College Role American Politician | Political party Democratic Name Sebastian Ridley-Thomas Nationality American Religion Baptist | |
Born August 12, 1987 (age 36) ( 1987-08-12 ) Party California Democratic Party Residence Los Angeles, California, United States | ||
Sebastian Ridley-Thomas (born August 12, 1987) is an American politician currently serving in the California State Assembly. He is a Democrat representing the 54th Assembly District, which includes the Los Angeles County communities of Century City, Culver City, Westwood, Mar Vista, Palms, Baldwin Hills, Windsor Hills, Ladera Heights, View Park, Crenshaw, Leimert Park, Mid City, and West Los Angeles.
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Ridley-Thomas is a member of the California Legislative Black Caucus. Prior to his election to the Assembly in 2014, he was an aide for former State Senator Curren Price. He is the son of longtime Los Angeles politician Mark Ridley-Thomas.
Committees
Ridley-Thomas chairs the Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation along with the Select Committee on Mental and Behavioral Health, and Proposition 63 Implementation. Additionally, he currently serves on the Committees on Health; Banking & Finance; and the Milton Marks "Little Hoover" Commission on Government Organization and Economy. He previously served on the Assembly’s Appropriations; Elections and Redistricting; Labor and Employment; Public Employees, Retirement and Social Security; Public Safety; Rules; and Water Committees.
Prior Legislative Experience
Prior to his election, Ridley-Thomas served as public policy director for State Senator Curren Price, advising him on economic development, transportation, housing, public safety, and local government issues. The Assemblymember also served as legislative consultant to the Senate Select Committee on Procurement, where he worked to ensure small business owners in underserved communities received their fair share of state contracts, and as the political director for the nine-member California Legislative Black Caucus.
Early life and education
His commitment to public service was inspired by his mother – Avis Ridley-Thomas, a pioneer in conflict resolution – and his father, Mark Ridley-Thomas, a member of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and founder of the community empowerment movement that has become a model for communities nationwide. Ridley-Thomas earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Morehouse College; he trained in mediation and conflict resolution at UC Davis Extension and CSU Dominguez Hills.
Priorities
His legislative priorities include a focus on job creation, access to high-quality and affordable education, and ensuring that all Californians get the healthcare and mental health services they need to fully participate in California's promise.