Dr. Shirley Weber is the person currently holding the keys to California's massive democratic machinery. Honestly, most people don't think much about the Secretary of State until it’s time to vote or start a business, but she's basically the state's chief custodian of records and elections.
She's been in the role since early 2021. Governor Gavin Newsom tapped her for the job to replace Alex Padilla, who headed off to D.C. to fill Kamala Harris’s seat in the U.S. Senate. Dr. Weber didn't just stumble into the position; she’s a seasoned academic and politician who spent years in the State Assembly representing San Diego.
The First Black Secretary of State in California History
Dr. Shirley Weber isn't just another name on a government building. She made history. When she was sworn in on January 29, 2021, she became the first Black person to ever serve as California’s Secretary of State.
Her backstory is kinda incredible. Born in Hope, Arkansas, her family actually had to flee to California when she was a toddler. Her father, a sharecropper, stood his ground in a dispute with a white landowner, and the resulting threats from a lynch mob forced them to move west.
They settled in South Los Angeles. From there, she went on to earn her Ph.D. from UCLA by the time she was only 26 years old. Talk about a high achiever. Before jumping into the political fire, she spent 40 years as a professor at San Diego State University, where she helped found the Africana Studies department.
What Does the Secretary of State Actually Do?
If you’ve ever wondered why this office matters, think of it as the "Chief Everything Officer" for the state’s paperwork. It's a big job. California has nearly 40 million people, and keeping that organized is a nightmare.
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Managing Elections and Voting
This is the big one. The Secretary of State is the "Chief Elections Officer." Dr. Weber oversees the entire voting process, ensuring that the millions of ballots cast in every primary and general election are handled fairly.
- She manages the state’s voter registration database.
- Her office produces the Official Voter Information Guide (that thick booklet that shows up in your mail).
- She certifies the results of statewide elections.
Business and Records
If you’re starting an LLC or a corporation in California, you're going to deal with Dr. Weber’s office. They handle the "bizfile" system. Basically, every business entity operating in the state has to register here.
Beyond businesses, the office maintains the State Archives. We're talking about historical records, the state constitution, and even trademarks. They also manage the "Safe at Home" program, which provides confidential mail forwarding for survivors of domestic violence and stalking.
Why Shirley Weber Still Matters in 2026
We are currently in a big election year. The who is the secretary of state california question is popping up more often because Dr. Weber is up for re-election.
She won her first full four-year term in 2022 with about 60% of the vote. Now, as we hit the 2026 cycle, she’s defending her seat again. The primary is set for June 2, 2026, and the general election will happen on November 3.
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Her main challenger so far is Don Wagner, a Republican who currently serves as an Orange County Supervisor. Wagner has been pretty vocal about wanting to change how California handles mail-in ballots, while Weber has been a staunch defender of the state's current "universal mail-in" system.
It’s a classic California political showdown. Weber focuses on "expanding the franchise" (getting more people to vote), while her opponents often talk about "election integrity" and tightening the rules.
Real Impact: Legislation and Reparations
Dr. Weber didn't stop being an activist when she took the job. While in the Assembly, she authored the bill that created the California Reparations Task Force. This was a first-in-the-nation effort to study the lingering effects of slavery and recommend ways to make amends.
Even as Secretary of State, she’s stayed involved in the conversation about civil rights. She’s pushed for restoring voting rights to people who have completed their prison terms, arguing that if you’ve paid your debt to society, you should have a say in how it’s run.
Key Facts About Dr. Shirley Weber:
- Born: September 20, 1948, in Hope, Arkansas.
- Education: BA, MA, and PhD from UCLA.
- Previous Job: Assemblymember for the 79th District (San Diego).
- Salary: Roughly $168,000 to $190,000 depending on recent adjustments.
- Family: Her daughter, Akilah Weber, actually won her old seat in the State Assembly.
How to Get in Touch with the Office
Sometimes you just need to talk to a human or find a form. The Secretary of State’s main office is located in Sacramento at 1500 11th Street.
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If you’re looking for election info, their website (sos.ca.gov) is actually pretty decent these days. They have a "My Voter Status" tool that lets you check if you’re actually registered, which is super handy before an election deadline.
For business owners, the "bizfile Online" portal is where you file your Statements of Information. Pro tip: don't wait until the last minute to file those, or the $250 penalty will ruin your day.
Actionable Next Steps
Knowing who is the secretary of state california is step one. Step two is making sure your own records are squared away.
First, go to the My Voter Status portal. It takes about 30 seconds to confirm you are registered at your current address. If you've moved recently, you need to re-register.
Second, if you run a business, check your filing status on the bizfile portal. Compliance issues often stem from simple missed deadlines in this office.
Lastly, keep an eye on the 2026 June Primary. Whether you support Dr. Weber’s approach or want a change with someone like Don Wagner, the Secretary of State’s office is what keeps the gears of the Golden State turning.