Senator Barbara Boxer spoke to crowd at Fresno luncheon, urging more women into politics

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer is wrapping up a 40-year career in public service. Thursday she spoke at a Fresno luncheon where she urged more women to get more involved in politics.

"We now have 20 women in the Senate. Yeah, that's great. When I started there were two," Senator Boxer said.

Senator Boxer told a North Fresno crowd that number for both Democrats and Republicans isn't high enough. Boxer is a pioneer as not many women were involved in politics in the early 1970's.

"I tried to make the point that when you decide in your mind that women cannot be in politics, you are leaving out half of the potential talent."

The Bay Area Democrat was dismayed by the tone taken in the presidential campaign.

"Hillary Clinton is a bigot who sees people of color only as votes, not as human beings worthy of a better future," said Donald Trump, Republican presidential nominee.

"He called her a bigot. This is a woman who, before the cameras were on her, was fighting for human rights and civil rights," said Senator Boxer.

Boxer signed copies of her new book at the event hosted by the National Women's Political Caucus. Boxer's career inspired Karen Humphrey who became Fresno's first female mayor in 1989.

"She really broke some doors open and people have been following through, and she's just been an amazing person. I don't want her to step down, but on the other hand, we hope that she will continue to be active in supporting women in California."

Boxer is closing out a 24-year career in the US Senate. Democrats Kamala Harris and Loretta Sanchez are vying for her seat.