Former California Assemblymember · Government & Political Consultant
Insider Knowledge. Real Results.
Sandré R. Swanson served in the California State Assembly and spent decades at the highest levels of government. Today he puts that experience to work for clients who need to navigate policy, politics, and power.
About
The Honorable Sandré R. Swanson
Member of the California State Assembly, 2006–2012
The Honorable Sandré R. Swanson served three successful terms as a Member of the California State Assembly, representing Oakland, Alameda, and Piedmont. A native of Oakland, Sandré chaired the Assembly Labor & Employment Committee and was a vocal advocate for expanding the middle class through sustainable jobs. He also served on the Assembly Budget Committee, the Subcommittee on Education Finance, the Committee on Utilities and Commerce, and was the Speaker's Appointee to the State Workforce Investment Board.
Sandré was passionate about the plight of troubled and at-risk youth. As Chair of the Assembly Select Committee on the Status of Boys and Men of Color — whose work is widely used by the State in its strategies to assist young people — he was invited to the White House by President Barack Obama in 2014 to participate in the President's "My Brother's Keeper" initiative.
During his tenure, Assemblymember Swanson passed landmark legislation addressing human trafficking — what he calls "modern-day slavery." His laws established programs for job training, housing, and counseling for victims, some as young as 12 years old. Several of his statutes are prominently referenced on the California Attorney General's website and are actively used by District Attorney offices across the state to prosecute human trafficking criminals.
Before the Assembly, Sandré served as Chief of Staff to Congresswoman Barbara Lee for five years, and before that spent 25 years as District Director and Senior Policy Advisor for Congressman Ronald V. Dellums. Following his legislative tenure, he served as Deputy Mayor under Oakland Mayor Jean Quan.
Sandré's 50-year career in government and community service began with Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm's presidential campaign. He later served as campaign manager for Judge Lionel Wilson's historic campaign to become Oakland's first Black Mayor. In 1990, he coordinated Nelson Mandela's historic visit to Oakland — drawing 60,000 people to the Coliseum — and organized a dinner for 3,000 guests celebrating Mandela's journey to freedom.
Services
How I Can Help
Public Policy Development
Creating and evaluating effective public policy that achieves real-world outcomes. Drawing on decades of legislative experience to craft strategies that work in Sacramento and beyond.
Government Relations
Direct access to public policy decision-makers at the state and local level. Leveraging long-standing relationships built over 50 years at the center of California government.
Campaign & Event Management
Effective campaign and event management grounded in hands-on experience — from coordinating Nelson Mandela's 60,000-person Oakland visit to managing historic electoral campaigns.
Crisis Management
Strategic solutions for crisis management when the stakes are highest. Calm, experienced counsel to navigate complex political, legislative, and public affairs challenges.
Experience
Decades at the Center of California Government
California State Assemblymember
California State Assembly, 16th Assembly District
Elected to represent Oakland, Alameda, and Piedmont. Authored legislation on economic justice, workforce development, public safety, and community investment. Served on key Assembly committees shaping California policy.
Deputy Mayor
City of Oakland
Served in the administration of Mayor Jean Quan, overseeing key city initiatives, intergovernmental affairs, and community partnerships.
Chief of Staff
Office of Congresswoman Barbara Lee
Managed a congressional office and served as senior advisor on federal policy, constituent services, and legislative strategy for one of California's most prominent members of Congress.
District Director & Senior Policy Advisor
Office of Congressman Ronald V. Dellums
25 years of service — from Legislative Aide to District Director — shaping federal policy and community engagement across the East Bay alongside one of Congress's most influential progressive voices.
Contact
Let's Work Together
Whether you're navigating a complex policy challenge, planning a campaign, or building a coalition — reach out to discuss how a former Assemblymember can help you get results.