Santa Monica's first openly LGBTQ+ mayor recognized during Women's History Month for decades of leadership advancing renters' rights, social services, and LGBTQ+ equity.
Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur presents longtime activist and conservation champion Judy Abdo with a 2026 Woman of the Year Honoree Commendation on Monday, March 16, 2026. From Left: Assembly Minority Leader Heath Flora (R-Ripon), Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur (D-Hollywood), Former Santa Monica Mayor Judy Abdo, Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters), and Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas (D-Hollister).
SACRAMENTO, CA – In recognition of Women's History Month, Democratic Caucus Chair and Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur (D–Hollywood) today honored longtime civic leader and former Santa Monica Mayor Judy Abdo as the 2026 Assembly District 51 Woman of the Year, recognizing her historic leadership and decades of public service to the Santa Monica community.
"Judy Abdo has spent her life fighting to make Santa Monica a more just, inclusive, and compassionate community," said Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur. "As Santa Monica's first openly LGBTQ+ mayor, she helped break barriers and expand representation at a time when that visibility mattered deeply. Her years of advocacy and grassroots leadership helped shape Santa Monica into the progressive and caring community it is today. I am incredibly proud to honor her as Assembly District 51's 2026 Woman of the Year."
In 1981, Abdo first became involved in local government by working with then–Santa Monica Mayor Jim Conn to pass rent control—an issue that would become central to her public service. In 1988, she ran for the Santa Monica City Council to ensure the Ocean Park community had a strong voice in city government. Running as an openly lesbian candidate, Abdo was elected to consecutive terms and went on to make history in 1990 as Santa Monica's first openly lesbian mayor, and one of the first openly LGBTQ+ mayors in the nation. During her time in office, she helped lead initiatives advancing environmental sustainability, strengthening renters' protections, expanding early childhood education, and prohibiting discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS.
"I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur," said Judy Abdo, 2026 Assembly District 51 Woman of the Year. "My commitment to service began in the classroom, where I spent 13 years as a teacher and later served as Director of Child Development Services for the Santa Monica–Malibu Unified School District. Those experiences shaped my belief that strong communities are built by investing in people—especially children and families. From organizing in Ocean Park to advocating for renters' rights, equality, and social services, I have always tried to help make Santa Monica a more compassionate and inclusive place where everyone can thrive."
Beyond her time in elected office, Abdo has remained a tireless advocate and civic leader in Santa Monica. Beyond elected office, she helped found Santa Monica's Sojourn Shelter and the Santa Monica AIDS Project and has remained an active voice in community organizing and civic life for decades.
Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur serves as the Democratic Caucus Chair for the California State Assembly and represents the 51st Assembly District, which includes Universal City, Hollywood, Hancock Park, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Westwood, West Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and other portions of Los Angeles.
CONTACT: Vienna Montague, (916) 319-2051, Vienna.Montague@asm.ca.gov