Began as an intern for Congressman Ron Dellums, and advanced to become
his chief of staff.
Graduated from Mills College in Oakland, 1973; earned a Master's degree in social welfare from UC Berkeley in 1975.
Served in the California Assembly (1990-1996) and the California Senate (1996-1998).
Democrat U.S. Representative from California (21 April 1998-present), representing northwest Alameda County including Oakland and Berkeley. Won a special election in 1998 to fill the vacancy after the resignation of Representative Ron Dellums.
Has two sons: Tony and Craig.
Her father, Lieutenant Colonel Garvin A. Tutt, was a 25-year Army veteran who served in World War II and the Korean War.
She played a major role in the antiwar movement with her vocal criticism of the Iraq War, and was the only member of Congress to vote against the authorization of use of force following the 9/11 attacks.
Graduated from San Fernando High School in Los Angeles' San Fernando Valley, where she was the first black cheerleader.