Lara earned his B.A. in journalism/Spanish/Chicano Studies from San Diego State University. He went on to be a master's candidate in leadership from the University of Southern California.
Ricardo Lara has been committed to ensuring that every Californian has an opportunity at the American Dream, and has relentlessly worked to create an economy that works for everyone, not just those at the top.
- Authored SB 574, which would have required the UC/CSU system to evaluate the total compensation packages of contingent workers, in order to make sure that the wages and benefits of university employees would not be undercut. Was unfortunately vetoed by Gov Brown.
- Ricardo earned 100% voting record from the California Labor Federation in 2017, and has a 96% lifetime floor score from CLF.