Hours after the news broke that civil rights activist and award-winning journalist Gloria Steinem, who became one of the faces of women's liberation, had died at the age of 92, California leaders reminisced on the legacy she left behind.
Steinem dedicated her life to the cause of equality and civil rights, rising from working-class roots to become a leader of the women's rights movement in the late 1960s and '70s. She was also one of the founders of New York and Ms. magazines, inspired to create media centered on women's perspectives.
"Gloria Steinem was a force of nature. A fierce advocate for women’s rights and human rights, she was a deeply empathetic leader and friend," California Gov. Gavin Newsom said.
"Gloria will be remembered around the
world as one of the most iconic and impactful leaders of our time."
Gloria Steinem was a force of nature. A fierce advocate for women’s rights and human rights, she was a deeply empathetic leader and friend.
— Governor Gavin Newsom (@CAgovernor) September 3, 2026
Gloria will be remembered around the world as one of the most iconic and impactful leaders of our time.
She will be missed. pic.twitter.com/zFduq2C1cz
The world learned of the iconic thought leader's death on Wednesday, Sept. 2, after it was announced on her official Instagram page.
"Steinem passed away peacefully at her home in New York City, surrounded by some of the many who loved her," the post read. "Gloria's near-century on earth were years well-lived, and she continued working for equality until the very end.
"Gloria's greatest gift was her ability to listen to others, to make others feel seen and heard. Her words, actions, and example gave people permission to be their truest selves. Gloria lived true to her independent spirit, always with curiosity and a great sense of humor."
Steinem is fondly remembered for the trailblazing journalism she conducted throughout her long career, with the goal of illuminating the cultural contrast men and women have to experience within the workforce environments, daily life and political representation.
In 1970, she testified before the Senate on behalf of the Equal Rights Amendment.
"It seems to me that much of the trouble in this country has to do with the 'masculine mystique'; with the myth that masculinity somehow depends on the subjugation of other people," Steinem told senators at the time. "It is a bipartisan problem; both our past and current presidents seem to be victims of this myth, and to behave accordingly.
Political figures like former Vice President Kamala Harris reminisced about meeting Steinem and the support she received from the "trailblazing activist" during her presidential campaign. Harris viewed her as an "icon in so many ways," according to her post on X.
"I first met her in the late '90s, when I was a young prosecutor specializing in crimes against women and children and co-founded an organization called Women Count, where our slogan was, "They used to say women couldn't vote, now they say we won't. Let's get out and vote."
"To know her as a person is to know someone who was kind, sharp, and witty. She was invested in young women and keeping the door open for the next generation of leaders, and her advocacy was always about fighting for the strength, intelligence, and dignity of women everywhere."
"She showed incredible support for women running for office, and I will always be grateful for her encouragement and support in my campaign for the presidency. A campaign that was made possible, in no small part, because of her activism and so many other giants upon whose shoulders we stand."
Gloria Steinem was a trailblazing activist, organizer, and journalist — an icon in so many ways.
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) September 3, 2026
I first met her in the late '90s, when I was a young prosecutor specializing in crimes against women and children and co-founded an organization called Women Count, where our slogan… pic.twitter.com/hCjWVzJ05r
As a result of her life's work, President Barack Obama awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2013.
Her relentless advocacy to break down barriers that had held back women for decades was echoed by Nancy Pelosi in an interview with MSNOW.
"It's time to refresh the memory of so many of us about the challenge that those women were facing for what we have now," Pelosi said.
"Some men need to be taught, really, that respect for women is something that is a tradition in our country, that must be honored as we go forward."
Gloria Steinem changed what was possible for women in America.
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) September 3, 2026
As we honor her extraordinary life, we must teach the next generation about the barriers she broke and to remain relentless in our pursuit of equality—just as Gloria would want us to be. pic.twitter.com/CkQe0l0xTY
USA TODAY reporter Nicole Fallert contributed to this article.
Noe Padilla is a Northern California Reporter for USA Today. Contact him at npadilla@usatodayco.com, follow him on X @1NoePadilla or on Bluesky @noepadilla.bsky.social. Sign up for the TODAY Californian newsletter or follow us on Facebook at TODAY Californian
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: California leaders reflect on legacy of Gloria Steinem, feminist icon
