The Hill’s 2012 New Members Guide

Rep-elect. Julia Brownley (D-Calif.-26)

DATE OF BIRTH: Oct. 28, 1952

BIRTHPLACE: Aiken, S.C.

RESIDENCE: Oak Park, Calif.

OCCUPATION: California state assemblywoman

EDUCATION: B.A., George Washington University; M.B.A., American University 

PREVIOUS OFFICE HELD: California State Assembly (2006-present)

FAMILY: Two children

After serving in the California Assembly for six years, Julia Brownley will take office in the 26th district, flipping party control to a Democrat. 

Brownley has spent nearly 20 years in elected office. She served as a school board member for 12 years before running for California Assembly , where term limits prevented her from running for another term. She chaired the Education Committee in her six-year tenure.

She worked in marketing as a sales manager and product manager for 20 years following college. 

An endorsement from the Los Angeles Times described Brownley as a champion of real-world pragmatism, similar to that of her predecessors in the seat. 

The new 26th district is made up of two Republican seats currently held by Reps. Elton Gallegly and David Dreier, who are both retiring. It has become a battleground district because of the even split in party identification and the large number of independents.