Barragán started her political work with the Clinton White House in the Office of Public Liaison. She was doing African American outreach, and helped the President with African American groups such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). In 1999, Barragán worked with the NAACP's Washington Bureau. Afterwards, she volunteered for many federal and local candidates while on the Board of the L.A. County Young Democrats for three years prior to attending law school.