CALIFORNIA
      Nov. 6, 2012 U.S. Senate


One-page bio - 8 1/2" x 11"



ELIZABETH EMKEN - BIO

Elizabeth Emken is the Republican challenger for U.S. Senate running against Dianne Feinstein, beating over 22 other candidates in California's new open primary. Along the way, she became the first statewide candidate ever to win an official primary endorsement from the California Republican Party.

Elizabeth is a fighter and a problem solver. She was "drafted" into her career as an advocate for developmentally disabled children after her son, Alex, was diagnosed with severe autism. She served most recently as Vice President for Government Relations at Autism Speaks, the Nation's largest science and advocacy organization devoted to the public health emergency of autism.

Elizabeth has worked extensively on behalf of military families, advocating for support totaling $24 million at the Department of Defense since 2007, and supporting health care coverage for autism related medical services in TRICARE, the health care program for active duty service members and retirees.

Before becoming active with the autism issue, Ms. Emken served as an efficiency and cost cutting expert for IBM, where she helped streamline operations, eliminate waste, and save the company millions of dollars.

Elizabeth graduated from UCLA in 1984 with dual degrees in Economics and Political Science. Her studies included course work at Cambridge University, where she focused on political and economic issues in China and the Middle East.

She lives in Danville with her husband of 26 years, Craig and their three children.