By: Kellie Todd Griffin, Special to California Black Media Partners
Statewide — Over two million Black Californians call this state home — making us the fifth largest Black population in the country. That’s not just a statistic; it’s a statement of power, presence, and potential. Yet, as housing costs soar and our communities shift from Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Oakland to inland regions like the Inland Empire and Sacramento, the one constant that remains is this: Black Californians still have the power to shape the political and cultural direction of this state.And in close elections, we are the margin. We are the difference between a win and a loss. The deciders. The protectors. The visionaries. But that power doesn’t mean much if we don’t build the infrastructure to wield it — and that starts with building the bench.
Let me be clear: we have the bench. What we need is investment in that bench.
In counties like Solano, where Black residents make up more than twice the state average, we’ve already shown what’s possible when we show up and lean in. We have a state legislator, two county supervisors, city council members in Fairfield, Vallejo, and Suisun City, school board leaders, and even Black women on the county school board. That is not luck –it’s strategy, commitment, and community organizing in action.
Look at Compton — a city where Black representation stretches from Congress to the water board, including a full Black city council and school board. That’s what full-spectrum power looks like.
And don’t miss the wins that have come with Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee’s historic victory. Today, we have 10 Black mayors across California — including in places where Black leadership has never been seen before: San Luis Obispo, Fontana, Lawndale, Carson, Gardena and Long Beach. First Black. First Black woman. First, but never the last.
California is currently represented in Congress by three Black women: Maxine Waters (D-CA-43), a veteran legislator and powerful voice for civil rights; Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA-37), known for her work on justice reform and equity; and Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12), who succeeded Barbara Lee and brings a legacy of grassroots activism and public transit leadership to Washington.
But let’s not be romantic. We’ve taken some hits too. We’ve lost mayoral seats in San Francisco and Lemon Grove. We’ve seen recall efforts rise — most recently against Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price and attempts aimed at LA Mayor Karen Bass and Contra Costa DA Diana Becton. This is not coincidence. It’s coordinated backlash. And we cannot let that keep happening.
We currently have 313 Black elected officials in the state. Many are at the school and community college board level, but 61 serve on city councils — including in nontraditional cities like Twentynine Palms, Barstow, Victorville and Indio. The growth is real. And it’s important to note many of these candidates are issue-driven, community-first, and less tied to party lines. That’s a paradigm shift worth celebrating.
Over the last five years, we’ve seen a surge in Black attorneys running — and winning — judicial seats. In 2024, Los Angeles welcomed five new Black judges, making clear that our presence is expanding into all corners of governance and justice.
California now boasts three Black constitutional officers and 12 Black state legislators — a historic moment. Black elected officials now serve across 21 counties, with LA County leading the way at 118, nearly 40% of all Black electeds in the state. Alameda, Contra Costa, San Bernardino, Solano, and Riverside counties are right behind.
We’ve had our losses — through term limits, redistricting, and political headwinds — but we’ve also had undeniable sparks of hope. And we’ve got a powerhouse bench ready to take the baton and run harder, faster, and further.
What we need now is sustained, unapologetic investment in that bench. In our talent. In our strategies. In our Black consultants and operatives who know this work inside and out.
And let’s not forget the 30+ Black-owned media outlets across the state that are telling our stories, shaping the narrative, and keeping our people informed and activated.
To the donors: Donate to Black candidates.
To the Black leaders: Keep lifting as you climb.
To the Black collectives: Keep meeting so we are ready.
To the voters: Don’t sit this one out.
To the rising stars: Step into your power.
We’ve already made history. Now it’s time to own it. In 2026 and 2028, we need to run the table — local, county, state, and beyond. We have the numbers, the momentum, and the brilliance. As Black leaders are making their decisions to run, let’s go.
Black Political Power is still intact. We’re not just the margin — we are the movement. And we’re just getting started.
About the Author:
Kellie Todd Griffin is the President and CEO of the California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute, leading efforts to advance Black women and girls. She also founded California’s first Black Women’s Think Tank and owns a public affairs consultancy firm, Crenshaw Chick.
