Richard J. Fredricks
A proven leader. A brighter future.
“Every family in this state deserves opportunity – not just those born into it.”
WHO I AM
Meet Richard Fredricks
Richard J. Fredricks was born and raised in Millfield, a working-class community in the heart of the state. The son of a public school teacher and a union electrician, he learned early that hard work and community go hand in hand. He has carried these values throughout a distinguished career in public service.
After earning his law degree from State University, Richard spent a decade as a civil rights attorney, fighting for workers’ rights and housing protections for vulnerable families. His work in the courtroom led naturally to the legislature, where he has served three terms in the State House of Representatives, earning a reputation as a thoughtful legislator who reaches across the aisle to deliver real results.
Richard lives in Millfield with his wife, Margaret, a high school science teacher, and their two daughters, Claire and Rose. He is an active member of the First United Methodist Church and volunteers each year with the local Habitat for Humanity chapter.
He is running for State Senator because he believes the state’s best days are ahead — if its leaders are willing to be honest about the challenges and bold enough to meet them.
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Working Towards What Matters to You
Education First
Fully fund public schools from kindergarten through community college. Raise teacher pay to the national median, expand pre-K access, and eliminate the “school-to-prison pipeline” with restorative practices and mental health counselors in every school.
Affordable Health Care
Expand Medicaid to cover the working poor, cap insulin and prescription costs, and invest in rural healthcare infrastructure so that no family has to drive two hours to see a doctor. Mental health and addiction treatment are healthcare — full stop.
Good Jobs & Fair Wages
Raise the state minimum wage to $18/hour, support union organizing rights, and attract clean energy manufacturing with targeted tax incentives. Workforce development partnerships with community colleges will prepare workers for tomorrow’s economy.
Clean Energy & Climate
Commit the state to 100% clean electricity by 2040, invest in EV infrastructure, and lead on environmental justice so that polluting facilities are no longer disproportionately sited in low-income communities of color.
Housing Affordability
Create a $500 million State Housing Trust Fund, reform exclusionary zoning laws, and expand renter protections. Every working family deserves a safe, stable, affordable place to call home.
Justice & Public Safety
Invest in community-based violence prevention programs proven to reduce crime. Reform sentencing laws, eliminate cash bail, and strengthen police accountability so that every resident can trust those sworn to protect them.
“I have seen what happens when government turns its back on working families. I have also seen what happens when it doesn’t — and that is the state I intend to build.”
— Richard J. Fredrick, Announcement Speech, March 2026
Background & Experience
State Representative, District 14
State Legislature · Millfield, State
Serving his third term, Richard chairs the Senate Education & Labor Committee and sits on the Health & Human Services Committee. He authored the landmark Clean Water Infrastructure Act (2019), the Working Families Paid Leave Act (2021), and the Mental Health Parity Enforcement Act (2023). His legislation has returned over $2.4 billion in federal funding to the state.
Deputy State Attorney General
Office of the Attorney General · State Capital
Oversaw the Consumer Protection and Labor Divisions. Led enforcement actions that recovered $180 million for defrauded workers and homeowners during the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis. Developed the state’s first comprehensive wage theft prosecution unit.
Civil Rights & Labor Attorney
Fredricks & Associates · Millfield, State
Founded and led a boutique civil rights practice representing workers, tenants, and marginalized communities. Argued successfully before the State Supreme Court in two landmark housing discrimination cases. Named one of State Bar’s “40 Under 40” attorneys to watch in 2005.
Law Clerk & Associate Attorney
Hon. Ruth Caldwell, State Court of Appeals · State Capital
Clerked for the Honorable Ruth Caldwell on the State Court of Appeals before joining the civil rights division of a regional law firm, where he litigated employment discrimination and voting rights cases across the state.
WHERE I STAND
The Issues
Reproductive Rights & Women’s Health
- Richard believes reproductive healthcare decisions belong to a woman and her doctor, not politicians. He supports enshrining abortion access protections in state law, expanding funding for family planning services, and ensuring every woman has access to maternal healthcare regardless of her zip code or income.
Gun Safety
- Richard supports universal background checks, red flag laws, and a ban on assault-style weapons at the state level. He rejects the false choice between the Second Amendment and public safety, and will work with law enforcement and community leaders to pass common-sense measures that keep guns out of dangerous hands.
Immigration & Immigrant Communities
- As Senator, Richard will make clear that this state welcomes immigrant families who contribute to our communities. He will oppose the use of state resources to enforce federal immigration detainers, expand driver’s license access for undocumented residents, and invest in English language learning and citizenship preparation programs.
Tax Fairness & Fiscal Policy
- Richard will push to close corporate tax loopholes, restore a more progressive income tax structure for top earners, and ensure the wealthiest individuals and corporations pay their fair share. Revenue generated will be directed to education, healthcare, and infrastructure, not tax breaks for those who need them least.
LGBTQ+ Rights & Protections
- Richard is a lifelong ally and will fight to protect LGBTQ+ residents from discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations. He opposes any legislation targeting transgender youth and will ensure that state agencies are welcoming, affirming spaces for every resident regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.
Criminal Justice Reform
- The current system incarcerates too many people for too long at enormous public cost, without making communities safer. Richard will work to legalize and expunge marijuana convictions, reform mandatory minimum sentencing, eliminate the use of private prisons, and invest in reentry programs that actually reduce recidivism and rebuild lives.
JOIN MY CAMPAIGN
Ready to Make a Difference?
Together, we can build a state where every family has the opportunity to thrive. Your support — your voice, your time, and your contribution — makes that possible.