Biography

State Senator Alan Lowenthal- 27th District

Biography

Senator Alan Lowenthal is one of the most effective and well-respected legislators in Sacramento. His experience as a former educator, city councilmember and long serving state representative has provided him with a unique understanding of the challenges facing California.

Senator Lowenthal is a nationally recognized leader on issues related to goods movement. As the former Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee and current Chairman of the Select Committee on Goods Movement, Senator Lowenthal has played a leading role in developing innovative programs that have simultaneously lead to both more efficient transportation systems and markedly cleaner air. By working with leaders of the goods movement sector, local governments and environmental advocates, Senator Lowenthal has proven that job creation and sound environmental stewardship are not mutually exclusive.

Senator Lowenthal is widely regarded as one of the strongest environmental advocates in Sacramento. He has provided much needed leadership in efforts to improve air quality, increase coastal access and restore inland waterways throughout the state. As a result, Senator Lowenthal has been honored by several environmental advocacy groups, including the California League of Conservation Voters (CLCV), the Sierra Club, Planning and Conservation League and the California Coastal Commission.

In addition to long list of legislative accomplishments, Senator Lowenthal is a strong advocate of governmental reform. He was the first legislator to champion a completely independent panel to draw California’s political boundaries; the result of which led to the California Citizens Redistricting Commission and the first truly independent political maps in California’s history.

Currently, Senator Lowenthal serves as Chair of the Senate Committee on Education. His approach to educational policy is driven by his belief that educators must be given the tools necessary to allow students the ability to excel. As a former college professor at California State University, Long Beach, Senator Lowenthal believes strongly in the need to create fair and balanced performance measures that empower teachers to do what they do best, teach.

A resident of Long Beach, Senator Lowenthal is married to Dr. Debbie Malumed, a family practice physician. He has two adult sons, Joshua and Daniel, one grandson, Avinash and two granddaughters, Olivia and Raquel.  He graduated with a B.A. from Hobart College and earned a Ph.D. from the Ohio State University. Alan Lowenthal was re-elected to his second term representing the 27th District of the California State Senate in November of 2008. 

Prior to his election to the Senate, Lowenthal served six years in the State Assembly and six years on the Long Beach City Council.

The 27th Senate District includes the Los Angeles County communities of Avalon, Long Beach, Signal Hill, Lakewood, Cerritos, Artesia, Bellflower, Downey, South Gate, Lynwood, Paramount, Hawaiian Gardens, Florence-Graham and Willowbrook.