Susan Talamantes Eggman

Susan Talamantes Eggman grew up in Turlock on her family’s almond orchard.

She graduated from Turlock High School. Unsure of her career path, she enlisted in the Army as a combat medic after high school. It was an easy decision considering that she comes from a long line of veterans.

She served four years at Fort Meade Army hospital in Maryland where she met Renee Hall, who became her longtime partner and, as of June 2014, her wife.

After her military service, Eggman attended California State University, Stanislaus, where she earned both a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in social work. As a social worker she worked as a substance abuse counselor and saw firsthand the ravages of the opioid epidemic.

Her path into politics started in 2006 when she wanted to make a difference in her community. She ran for City Council in Stockton – where she had moved in order to care for her ailing mother. Eggman won and became the first openly gay member of the City Council.

She arrived on the council at tumultuous time – decisions made by previous city councils and a housing recession forced Stockton into bankruptcy. The city and the elected leaders, like Eggman, had to make some tough decisions to get Stockton back on track.

Eggman was first elected to the State Assembly in 2012. She has consistently fought against proposals to build a tunnel system through the San Joaquin Delta. In addition, she has made building a CSU campus in Stockton a top priority. Eggman has stood up for Central Valley veterans in their fight to stop further delays in the construction of the French Camp VA Medical Clinic. She currently serves as the Chair of the Agricultural Committee fighting to protect our local farmers, dairies, and crops.

Susan and Renee are raising their daughter, Eme, in Stockton.