Gayle McLaughlin

Gayle is a longtime progressive activist, community organizer, author, and former two-term mayor and councilmember of Richmond, California. In 2003, she co-founded the Richmond Progressive Alliance (RPA), a grassroots political organization that helped reshape the city’s political landscape.

During more than twelve years in elected office, McLaughlin helped Richmond raise its minimum wage to $15 an hour, enact landmark rent control protections, advance environmental initiatives, and dramatically reduce homicides. Her administration also challenged Chevron, the city’s largest corporate presence, securing more than $100 million in additional taxes and pursuing legal action over damage caused to the community. During the foreclosure crisis, she advocated for using eminent domain to reduce underwater mortgage principal and help residents remain in their homes.

Throughout her political career, McLaughlin refused corporate campaign contributions and won repeatedly despite millions of dollars in opposition spending by Chevron. By 2016, Richmond voters had elected a five-member, corporate-free majority to the seven-member City Council.

McLaughlin is the author of Winning Richmond: How a Progressive Alliance Won City Hall, published by Hard Ball Press. Drawing on her experience in office and grassroots organizing, the book tells the story of how a community-based movement took on powerful interests and transformed local government.

McLaughlin has received numerous awards for her public service and continues to advocate for economic, environmental, and social justice.