From 1994 to 1998, Figueroa served in the
California State Assembly, representing the 20th District. In 1998, she was elected to the
California State Senate, replacing
Bill Lockyer. She served as a member of the
California State Senate, representing the 10th district. As a legislator, Figueroa worked on consumer and health-related issues. She authored legislation requiring insurance companies to cover replacement of children's car seats after collisions, and funding legislation for the
San Francisco Bay Trail. In April 2004, Figueroa garnered national attention when she proposed a bill (S.B. 1822) aimed at limiting
Google's
Gmail service from providing ads to users based in part on the content of their emails. After a few months negotiating with privacy groups and Google, Figueroa abandoned the effort. Figueroa ran for
lieutenant governor of California in 2006. In the June 6, 2006,
primary election, against fellow state senator
Jackie Speier and Insurance Commissioner
John Garamendi. Figueroa received 18% of the vote. Speier received 39%, while Garamendi won the primary with 42%. After leaving office, Figueroa was appointed by California Senate President
Don Perata in 2007 to the
California Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board. She worked for
Planned Parenthood Mar Monte as vice president of public affairs and is now retired. ==References==