Dr. Weber takes her oath of office to serve as California's first elected Black secretary of state

This 2022 election marks several, notable, historical first among Black candidates now serving in very powerful positions in California's legislature as elected officials.

ONME News first noted that former congresswoman, Karen Bass, became the second Black elected-mayor of Los Angeles but the first female to serve in the position; Los Angeles is the biggest city in California with over 3.9 million people. Such a seat will require political prowess due to the many woes that plaque the southern California city.

Meanwhile, former chair of the California State Board of Equalization, Malia Cohen, sworn into office Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, became the first Black woman to serve as state controller; this involves disbursing state funds, auditing government agencies and serving on more than 70 boards and commissions. Cohen will be California’s chief fiscal officer.

Also at the state of California legislative level, Dr. Shirley Nash Weber, Ph.D., will serve as the first elected Black secretary of state. Sworn in Jan 10, 2023, Dr. Weber will serve as the 32nd Secretary of State of California.

Dr. Weber, Ph.D. was nominated to serve as California Secretary of State by Governor Gavin Newsom on December 22, 2020 and sworn into office on January 29, 2021. She was California’s first Black Secretary of State then to be nominated, and only the fifth African American to serve as a state constitutional officer in California’s 170-year history.