California’s newest State Senator Lena Gonzalez, just won her seat for District 33 in a special election. California Globe garnered an interview with Gonzalez (D-Long Beach) after running into her on her first day in the Capitol, prior to being sworn in.

When asked to share a little about her personal background, Lena Gonzalez says the most important thing she wants people to know is that she’s a mom. “We have a blended family with three boys – 18, 12 and 4,” she said. Her youngest spent most of last week with her in Sacramento.

Gonzalez described her own upbringing as “humble.” Her father was a truck driver, and her mother, an immigrant from Mexico, worked her way up in the aerospace and tech industries. Gonzalez said she learned the value of working hard from both of her parents, and was impressed with her mother’s successful career advancement.

Gonzalez has a B.A. in Political Science from California State University, Long Beach, and a MBA from Loyola Marymount University.

Gonzalez said her mix of private sector work, and her public service provides her a healthy balance.... (Read Full Text)