POLITICAL LEGACY

Carole Migden’s political journey is one of breakthrough leadership, bold ideas, and persistent public service. From the streets of San Francisco to the chambers of the State Capitol, she challenged norms, broke barriers, and left a lasting imprint on California’s political landscape.

Her career spans roles as a San Francisco Supervisor, State Assemblywoman, statewide Board of Equalization member, and State Senator. Along the way she became one of the first openly lesbian legislators in California, the first woman and lesbian to chair major legislative committees, and a fierce advocate for equity, environment, and civil rights.

Below is a timeline tracing her electoral campaigns and major victories — a portrait of how she moved through public offices, shaped policy, and pushed the boundaries of what was possible in California governance.

President Barack Obama, Carole Migden, and Senator Barbara Boxer

Carole Migden Speaks on the Senate Floor

Carole Migden and Senator Diane Feinstein

Betty Yee, Michael Colbruno, Carole Migden, Dennis Herrera at the Democratic National Convention, 2004

Carole Migden speaking on the Assembly Floor

DNC Chair Terry McAuliffe, Mayor Willie Brown, Carole Migden

Vice President Al Gore and Carole Migden

Carole Migden and Presidential Nominee Hillary Clinton

Presidential Nominee John Kerry and State Senator Carole Migden

Carole Migden and Representative Sala Burton

Carole Migden and President Bill Clinton

Carole Migden and Representative Phil Burton

President Bill Clinton and Carole Migden

Nancy Pelosi and Carole Migden at a Candlelight Vigil

Carole Migden and Governor Gray Davis sign the Domestic Partnership Bill

Michael Colbruno, Carole Migden, and Senator Tammy Baldwin

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Carole Migden

Carole Migden Speaking in State Assembly

Carole Migden and Governor Gray Davis Marriage Equality Win

Democratic Party Chair Jerry Brown and Supervisor Carole Migden, 1988

Senator Migden and Governor Schwarzenegger

Carole Migden and Vice Presidential Nominee Geraldine Ferraro

Speaker Hertzberg and Appropriation Chair Carole Migden

Carole Migden, Kitty Dukakis, Michael Colbruno

Governor Gavin Newsom and Carole Migden speak on camera

Congresswoman Eleanor Norton Holmes and Carole, 1992

Carole Migden at a Walter Mondale Presidential Campaign Event

Carole Migden meeting Presidential Nominee Governor Michael Dukakis

Carole Migden speaking with Governor Gray Davis

Lesbian Lawmmakers Chris Kehoe, Sheila Kuehl, Carole Migden, and Jackie Goldberg - Lesbian Leaders

Carole speaking at Pride Event with Mayor Gavin Newsom

1984-2008

Member of the Democratic National Committee

1990-1993

Chair, San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee (DCCC)
Carole Migden launched her political career at the grassroots level, winning a seat on the San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee. She later became the first openly lesbian chair of the DCCC, where she was instrumental in revitalizing the local party and building progressive power.

1991

Elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors
Migden made history as one of the few openly LGBTQ elected officials in the city. On the Board of Supervisors, she focused on neighborhood investment, housing, and expanding health services, quickly establishing herself as a bold and effective legislator.

1996

Elected to the California State Assembly (District 13, San Francisco)
Elected to represent San Francisco in the State Assembly, Migden became the first openly lesbian member of the Assembly. She rose to chair the powerful Assembly Appropriations Committee and authored groundbreaking legislation on healthcare, environment, consumer protection, and LGBTQ rights.

Re-elected in 1998 and 2000.

2002

Elected to the California State Board of Equalization (District 1)
Migden won a seat on the state’s tax board, overseeing billions in revenue. Her tenure emphasized fairness in tax policy and closing corporate loopholes.

2004

Elected to the California State Senate (District 3, covering San Francisco, Marin, and Sonoma Counties)
Migden returned to the legislature, this time in the State Senate, where she advanced major bills on healthcare, environmental protection, foster youth, consumer safety, and civil rights.

2008

Ran for Re-election to the State Senate
Migden sought re-election but was defeated in the Democratic primary. Despite this, her decade-spanning career secured her reputation as a trailblazer for progressive politics and LGBTQ representation in California.

2009-2010

State Commissioner of the California Integrated Waste Management Board.

2011-2012

State Commissioner of the California Agricultural Labor Relations Board.

Black-and-white photograph of Carole Migden smiling, with curly hair, wearing a dark blazer, in a newspaper clipping. A man in a suit and tie is partially visible beside her.

Article titled "Carole Migden endorsed by leading community groups" discusses Carole Migden, a lesbian candidate for office in San Francisco, receiving endorsements from various community groups including the Black Leadership Forum, National Women's

Program for Harvey Milk's 1982 birthday celebration held by The Harvey Milk Gay Democratic Club at the Moscone Center in San Francisco on Tuesday, May 25, including a schedule of speakers and performances.

Poster advertising the Domestic Partnership Expo held at Cow Palace, San Francisco from October 2 to 4, featuring guest speaker Carole Migden, with details about registration fees, on-site notary services, and workshops, with images of Carole Migden

Flyer for a comedy event titled "An Evening of Comedy" featuring Carol Roberts and Carole Migden at The Artemis Society, 1199 Valencia Street, on Saturday, August 7 at 9:00 pm, with a $5 donation benefiting Carole Migden for College Board.

Details of a handwritten benefit party invitation for Carole Migden, hosted by Naphtali Offen and Barbara Berceyer at 200A Central Avenue on Saturday, May 15 at 8 p.m., featuring entertainment by Arthur Evans and the Choral Majority, with a suggested

Letter from Carole Migden for college board, highlighting her qualifications and community service background, with a plea for support at the end.

Flyer for Carole Migden's campaign kickoff event on Wednesday, January 24, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at Ft. Mason Conference Center, Building A, Buchanan Street & Marina Boulevard. The event is free and includes refreshments.

Button with text indicating it is for Carole Migen, Chairwoman of the State Board of Equalization, noting it was not printed at taxpayer's expense.

A pin-back button with a black background featuring an illustration of the U.S. Capitol building, a police car labeled 'SFPD,' a flaming object, and red fire with the text 'I Was There May 21, 1979, WHITE NIGHT'.

Colorful square sign with the text 'Carole Mideen for Supervisor' in different colors and fonts.

A circular button with the text 'Vote for a CAROLE MIDDEN' and 'Bd. of Equalization.' The button features the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco in black and white.

Colorful square sign with purple, yellow, and blue sections, reading 'Re-elect Supervisor Grace M. G. Den, 2024' in bold letters.

A button with a black background featuring a white silhouette of California, pink and white text, and pink and white geometric shapes celebrating the march on Sacramento for lesbian and gay rights on May 7, 1988.

A button advocating for safe cosmetics for Californians, supporting bills SB 484 and AB 908, with an illustration of lipstick.

Blue campaign button with pink and white text reading, 'Carole Mijden College Board'.

Yellow rectangular sign with green text reading, "Carole Migen: A supervisor we'll be proud of."