Senator Henry Stern

California State Senator, Chair, Senate Emergency Management Committee

Senator Henry Stern is an environmental attorney, policymaker, and climate leader serving in the California State Senate, where he represents the 27th Senate District spanning portions of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. First elected in 2016, Stern became the first millennial elected to the California State Senate and has since emerged as one of California’s leading voices on climate policy, wildfire resilience, clean energy, and environmental justice. Stern currently serves as Chair of the Senate Committee on Emergency Management, Vice Chair of the Joint Legislative Committee on Climate Change Policies, and the Senate’s Ex Officio member to the California Air Resources Board (CARB). Throughout his legislative career, he has authored landmark legislation related to climate disclosure, building decarbonization, grid modernization, clean heating technologies, energy storage, and wildfire preparedness. His work has helped position California at the forefront of state-level climate action and clean energy innovation. Prior to joining the Legislature, Stern worked as an environmental attorney and advisor to former State Senator Fran Pavley and Congressman Henry Waxman, contributing to major clean energy, environmental protection, and climate policy initiatives. He also worked with clean technology companies, civil rights organizations, and community groups focused on environmental and economic justice. A sixth-generation Californian and Los Angeles native, Stern earned his undergraduate degree from Harvard University and his law degree from UC Berkeley School of Law. In addition to his public service, he has lectured on law and public policy at UCLA and UC Berkeley. Known for his collaborative and policy-focused approach, Stern continues to play a prominent role in shaping California’s response to climate change, natural disasters, and sustainable economic development.