Elected to the California State Senate in February of 2011, Sharon Runner represents Los Angeles, Ventura, Kern and San Bernardino counties. Sharon is the seventh Republican woman in California's history to be elected to the State Senate.

Born in Los Angeles, Sharon was raised in the Antelope Valley. She achieved success as a businesswoman when she formed "The Runner Group," a public relations/marketing company located in the High Desert.

A lifelong advocate of education, Sharon co-founded Desert Christian Schools (DCS) in 1977. Under her leadership, the schools laid the groundwork necessary to become one of the largest private schools in California. Today, DCS serves nearly 1,700 students of all ages at three campuses. Sharon currently serves on DCS's Board of Directors.

Committed to giving back to her community, Sharon serves on non-profit organizations like the United Way, the CareNet Pregnancy Resource Center, A.V. Crime Task Force and A.V. Hospital Gift Foundation.

Sharon was elected to the Assembly in 2002, and served as a proud and effective advocate for her constituents. Her primary focus in the Legislature was public safety, education, and children's issues, including foster care and adoption.

In her first term of office, Sharon was appointed Assistant Republican Leader by former Republican Leader and current Congressman Kevin McCarthy. She was an integral part of several major policy decisions, notably workers' compensation reform. She worked closely with her leadership team, the Governor's Office, and business leaders to successfully reform California's workers' compensation system by reducing rates and bringing insurers back to California.

Sharon authored and successfully pushed for the passage of Proposition 83 — Jessica's Law— to protect California's children. Proposition 83 passed with 70 percent voter approval and created the nation's toughest sex predator laws.

After leaving the Assembly in 2008, Sharon was elected vice-president of California Women Lead, a bi-partisan organization that encourages and empowers women to run for public office. She currently serves as the organization's president.

Sharon and her husband, Board of Equalization Member George Runner, have two children and three grandchildren and reside in the Antelope Valley.