Diane E. Watson

Diane E. Watson served as a Representative from California in the United States Congress from 2001 to 2011. A member of the Democratic Party, Diane E. Watson contributed to the legislative process during 5 terms in office.¹

Diane E. Watson’s service in Congress occurred during a significant period in American history. As a member of the House of Representatives, Diane E. Watson participated in the democratic process and represented the interests of constituents.

Diane Edith Watson (born November 12, 1933) is a former American politician who served as US Representative for California’s 33rd congressional district, serving from 2003 until 2011, after first being elected in the 32nd District in a 2001 special election. She is a member of the Democratic Party. The district is located entirely in Los Angeles County and includes much of Central Los Angeles, as well as such wealthy neighborhoods as Los Feliz. A native of Los Angeles, Watson is a graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles, and also holds degrees from California State University, Los Angeles and Claremont Graduate University. She worked as a psychologist, professor, and health occupation specialist before serving as a member of the Los Angeles Unified School Board (1975–78). She was a member of the California Senate from 1978 to 1998, and the US Ambassador to Micronesia from 1999 to 2000. Watson was elected to Congress in a 2001 special election to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Representative Julian C. Dixon. She was re-elected four times, and retired after the end of the 111th Congress.