A Public Executive

Don Perata has a distinguished record of civic engagement as a public servant and elected public official, rising from the ranks of school teacher to become president of the California State Senate.

A native and life-long resident of the East Bay, Don is the son of immigrant parents who taught him the value of hard work. As a youngster, he toiled at his father’s side, delivering milk door-to-door, and applied this grassroots approach throughout his career. Don has garnered a well deserved reputation as an elected public official who is accountable to his constituents – and gets things done.

Don Perata served two terms as a member of the Alameda County Board of Supervisors (1986-1994), where he championed the causes of the poor, delivery of services through community-based organizations and effective mental health services. As a Supervisor, Don worked with neighbors to clean-up problem liquor stores, ban cigarette advertising and assure safe streets and neighborhoods.

In 1996, the people of Oakland, Piedmont and Alameda selected Don as their representative in the State Assembly. In Sacramento, he had an immediate impact, taking on the gun lobby and passing an historic assault weapons ban to keep dangerous weapons out of the hands of criminals.

In 1998, he was elected to fill an unexpired term in the California State Senate, and over the next decade became one of the most powerful leaders in California. Selected on three occasions by his colleagues to serve as President Pro Tem of the Senate, Don proved to be an effective leader who showed how to make government work for people. His accomplishments include a 2004 Bay Area Regional Transportation Bond Measure and a 2006 Infrastructure Bond to fund schools, clean air and water programs, transportation and transit.

A True Progressive

Throughout his career, Don Perata has been a fierce advocate for public education, social justice, environmental protection, public safety and effective delivery of government services. He has championed pathbreaking legislation on a number of progressive issues. You can find a full list of his legislative achievements here.

A Lifelong Democrat

Don Perata has raised tens and millions of dollars for Democratic leaders, initiative campaigns, and progressive causes. He is a life-long Democrat, proud of the party's achievements on civil rights, social justice, economic opportunity, workers' rights, equality, and environmental protection. Don has mentored dozens of up-and-coming progressive leaders in the state.

Proven Experience

With 20 years of experience as a public executive, Don Perata will not have to learn on the job. He will not have to delegate his duties. Oakland is a city that demands strong hands-on leadership.

Extensive Policy Network

With over 20 years as a leader in Oakland and Sacramento, Don Perata has developed a network of policy experts, advocates, private and non-profit sector representatives, and elected officials up and down California and in Washington, D.C. Don can leverage his networks to win support from state and federal governments, and can draw upon their policy expertise.

Delivering Results

Having a bold vision is not enough: the mayor is 'Implementer-in-Chief' and lead negotiator. While serving as Senate President in Sacramento, Don Perata went toe-to-toe with the governor and Republican legislators - negotiating budgets, policies, and priorities.  Don has delivered results for Oakland in the past and will continue to do so as Oakland's next mayor.