Bridget Lewis recalls becoming first Black woman elected to Torrance City Council

Council member Bridget Lewis said she became the first Black woman elected to the Torrance City Council in 2024 and spoke about her path to office as the city wrapped up Black History Month.

Lewis told the council that she previously served six years on the civil service commission and was appointed to a council seat before winning election in 2024. "So I applied, was actually awarded the seat. And then in 2024, when the elections came, I ran for office and officially became the first black female council member ever elected to the city of Torrance," she said.

She described the milestone as personally meaningful and tied it to the council's current composition. "It means a lot. It means that we have gotten to a place where everyone is accepted. We have the most diverse council we've ever had," Lewis said.

Lewis also described her professional background outside city government. "I'm also the first female and the first black person to ever hold my job as a homeland security manager for the Port Of Long Beach," she said, adding that the port is "the largest seaport complex in the United States." She said the homeland-security work is "some of the most critical work that I do, and I really, really enjoy doing it."

Reflecting on her personal history, Lewis said she remembered watching elected officials on television as a child and that serving in public office exceeded her expectations. "For me to be 1 now, it's just something that I would never imagine, but I would never give that up either," she said.

The remarks came during Black History Month and focused on representation and Lewis's background; the council did not take a formal vote related to the comments.