Catherine Blakespear

Catherine Smith Blakespear (née Blake; born February 29, 1976) is an American politician and former journalist who is currently serving in the California State Senate. She is a Democrat representing the 38th Senate District, which encompasses parts of Northern San Diego County and Southern Orange County.

Early life and education Blakespear was born on February 29, 1976, in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Encinitas, California. She graduated from Torrey Pines High School in 1994 and graduated in 1999 from Northwestern University in Chicago where she earned a BS and MS degree in Journalism.

Career Her professional experience includes working as a journalist for the Los Angeles Times in 1994, and the Associated Press Associated Press reporter,

Prior to her time in elected office, Blakespear was an estate planning attorney.

Politics Prior to her election to the State Senate, Blakespear served two years on the Encinitas City Council starting in 2014, followed by six years as mayor from December 2016 to November 2022. While mayor, she also served as chair of SANDAG.

California State Senate Catherine Blakespear is a member of the California State Senate, representing District 38. She assumed office on December 5, 2022, and her current term ends on December 7, 2026.

Personal life Blakespear's family has lived in the Encinitas area for nearly a century. Catherine met her husband while reporting on the Salt Lake City Olympics. Catherine and husband Jeremy reside in Encinitas. They have 2 children.