Senator Thomas C. Carrell was born on July 10, 1900, in Cooper, Texas. He was a teacher in public schools from 1921 to 1926, and owner of the Carrell Chevrolet Agency in San Fernando, California. He held a Bachelor's Degree from the University of California at Los Angeles, and a Master's Degree in Education from the University of Southern California. Very active in civic and community enterprises, Carrell was a member of the American Legion, Elks and Moose Lodge, president of the San Fernando Kiwanis Club, and president of the San Fernando Chamber of Commerce. In addition, he had held office in the Valley Council of Boy Scouts, Red Cross, Community Chest (United Way), March of Dimes, and other charitable organizations.

Carrell became active in politics when he became the campaign manager for assemblymen Julian Beck and Allen Miller. He was also active in the Harry Truman and Adlai Stevenson presidential campaigns, was State Chairman for the Estes Kefauver campaign for President in 1956, and Southern California chairman for U.S. Senator Engle's 1964 campaign.

During his terms in office, first as an assemblyman (1963-1967) and then as a senator (1967-1972), Carrell actively supported and worked for legislation to increase the efficiency of government organization and the handling of public affairs. He also worked for the protection of small businessmen, and for legislation encouraging new industry to come to the San Fernando Valley.

Carrell authored and co-authored legislation relating to freedom of the press, narcotics control, penalties for unlicensed medical practice, traffic violations, drunk driving, and other driving safety regulations. He also authored bills on the extension of radio and television news coverage to administrative hearings, juvenile drug use, environmental controls and air pollution standards, mass transit, and senior citizen benefits. He died of a heart attack in October 1972 on the island of Hawaii.