Eleven-term U.S. Congresswoman Barbara Lee, who has represented Oakland and the East Bay in the House of Representatives since 1998, was just married on New Year's Eve to Los Angeles-based pastor Rev. Dr. Clyde W. Oden, Jr.
Lee, 73, was married once before over half a century ago, and divorced at the age of 20. She posted about the nuptials on Twitter, calling Oden "my newest constituent," suggesting he may be relocating to the 13th Congressional District which she has represents. "I look forward to welcoming Clyde to the East Bay community and introducing him to you as my kind and loving husband," Lee wrote.
As the Mercury News reports, Oden was widowed in 2016, and he recently retired from his role as pastor at Bethel Oxnard African Methodist Episcopal Church in Oxnard.
An extra special welcome and #HappyNewYear to my newest constituent – Rev. Dr. Clyde Oden Jr., who I had the honor of marrying last night! I look forward to welcoming Clyde to the East Bay community and introducing him to you as my kind and loving husband. pic.twitter.com/0fS5m01LRm
— Rep. Barbara Lee (@RepBarbaraLee) January 2, 2020
A staunch progressive who began her career in politics working for pioneering black Congresswoman Shirley Chisolm, Lee was thrust into the national spotlight in 2001 when she cast the single "no" vote against the use of military force in Afghanistan following the September 11 attacks. In the years since, Senator Bernie Sanders has frequently given Lee credit for her brave opposition, saying "Barbara Lee was right, I was wrong," as he's apologized for his vote in favor of the war.
In 2012, following redistricting in California, Lee became the representative for California's 13th District, following over a decade as the representative for California's 9th District, which used to encompass Oakland and Alameda. The 9th District shifted east and now covers Stockton, Antioch, and portions of Contra Costa, Sacramento, and San Joaquin counties.