From 1980 to 1997 she was affiliated with the PT party (workers party). In 1997 she changed to the PSB party. Erundina served on the São Paulo city council from 1983-1987. From 1987-1988 she was a state deputy for the state of São Paulo. She was São Paulo's mayor from 1989 to 1992, and is currently a federal deputy from São Paulo. She was re-elected in 2003 and will serve until 2007.