Buffy Jo Christina Wicks is a Democrat representing California's 14th Assembly District in the East Bay, which spans communities from Oakland to Richmond, including Berkeley, Piedmont, Richmond, San Pablo, El Cerrito, and parts of Oakland. First elected in 2018, she lives in Oakland with her husband Peter and daughters Jojo and Elly. Wicks is a lifelong organizer known for her role in Democratic campaigns, including as a key architect of Barack Obama's 2008 and 2012 grassroots strategies, National Director of Obama’s Operation Vote in 2012, and executive director of Priorities USA Action for Hillary Clinton in 2014-2015. Notable achievements include chairing the Assembly Appropriations Committee , previously chairing the Housing Committee, leading pro-housing legislation to address California's housing crisis, reforming the state's environmental law , and passing bills on housing, homelessness, social safety net expansion, child online safety, and women's rights.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Attended public schools, enrolled at a local community college, then transferred to and graduated from a four-year university .
• Political Experience:
  • Early organizing: Against Iraq War in Bay Area; Howard Dean’s presidential campaign; United Food and Commercial Workers campaign against Wal-Mart for better wages and healthcare.
  • Obama campaigns : Innovated grassroots model in Oakland; White House Deputy Director of Office of Public Engagement, helping pass the Affordable Care Act.
  • Clinton efforts: California State Director ; Priorities USA Action Executive Director .
  • State Assembly : District 14; Appropriations Committee Chair; Housing Committee Chair; initiated 20 bills in recent session .