Rebecca Bauer-Kahan

Rebecca Beth Bauer-Kahan was born on October 28, 1978. She is an American attorney and politician who has served as a member of the California State Assembly from the 16th district since 2018. A member of the Democratic Party, her district extends from Lamorinda to the Tri-Valley region of the San Francisco Bay Area, representing communities including Orinda, Moraga, Lafayette, Walnut Creek, Danville, San Ramon, Dublin, Pleasanton, and Livermore. She has been described as a women's rights advocate and is a member of the California Legislative Progressive Caucus.

Bauer-Kahan is a mother of three children and has been recognized for her work on issues reflecting community values and delivering fiscal resources to her region.

Education and Legal Background

Bauer-Kahan is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and Georgetown University Law Center. Before serving in the Assembly, she taught appellate law and legal research at Santa Clara and Golden Gate universities.

Political Experience and Notable Achievements

Legislative Success:
Bauer-Kahan has authored over 50 pieces of legislation signed into law, covering topics including gun control, food safety, reproductive rights, and environmental protection.

Leadership Roles:
Soon after being sworn in 2018, she ascended to a leadership role as assistant speaker pro tempore of the Assembly. She founded the Select Committee on Reproductive Health—the first committee of its kind in the nation—during her first term. She currently chairs the Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee and the Select Committee on Reproductive Health, and serves on 12 committees total.

Signature Legislation:
Her most notable achievement is AB 1666, which protects abortion providers from civil liability and was signed into law on the day Roe v. Wade was overturned. She also passed AB 1242, a first-in-the-nation law written in partnership with the California Attorney General that protects patients who come to California to seek abortions or reproductive care. In 2022 alone, she passed 15 pieces of legislation addressing district priorities.

Electoral History:
Bauer-Kahan was first elected to the California State Assembly in 2018, narrowly defeating Republican incumbent Catharine Baker.