Karen Bass
This biographical article is written like a résumé. Please help improve it by revising it to be neutral and encyclopedic. (January 2011) Karen Bass Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from California's 37th district Incumbent Assumed office January 3, 2013 Preceded by Laura Richardson Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from California's 33rd district In office January 3, 2011 – January 3, 2013 Preceded by Diane Watson Succeeded by Henry Waxman Speaker of the California Assembly In office May 13, 2008 – March 1, 2010 Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger Preceded by Fabian Núñez Succeeded by John Pérez Member of the California State Assembly from the 47th district In office December 6, 2004 – December 6, 2010 Preceded by Herb Wesson Succeeded by Holly Mitchell Personal details Born Karen Ruth Bass (1953-10-03) October 3, 1953 (age 61) Los Angeles, California, U.S. Political party Democratic Spouse(s) Jesus Lechuga (1980–1986) Children Emilia 4 stepchildren Alma mater San Diego State University California State University, Dominguez Hills Religion Baptist Website House website Karen Ruth Bass (born October 3, 1953) is an American Democratic politician. She represents California's 37th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives; she was first elected in 2010. In redistricting following the 2010 census, the district was renumbered from 33rd to 37th. Bass represented the 47th district in the California State Assembly 2004–2010, and was Speaker of the California State Assembly 2008–2010 (second woman, third African American speaker).