The California Legislature is once again welcoming a diverse group of new representatives, many of whom have strong roots in local government. These officials bring years of experience working directly with their communities, giving them a unique perspective on some of the state's most pressing issues.
Notably, this new class of legislators also brings in a record number of women. According to the women’s advocacy group who helped lead efforts to have more representation of women in Sacramento, Close The Gap, 49% of state legislators will be women following this election. Many of these women that were newly elected have a wealth of experience in local politics, again showing that starting in local government creates a good pathway to higher office.
Across all of the new electeds, their backgrounds in education, public safety, environmental policy, and local economic development, helps position them as well-rounded advocates for their districts. The transition from local to state government allows them to address broader challenges while continuing to focus on the needs of the constituents they have long served.
Here is a brief overview of the new legislators and the roles they have held prior to their election:
- Heather Hadwick (AD01)
- Previous Role: Safety and Communications Specialist, Modoc County Office of Education; Deputy Director of Emergency Services, Modoc County Sheriff’s Office.
- Background: Managed wildfire evacuations and coordinated public safety in rural Northern California.
- Maggy Krell (AD06)
- Previous Role: Special Counsel, Planned Parenthood California; Law Professor at UC Davis; Deputy Attorney General.
- Background: Advocate for survivors of human trafficking and reproductive rights.
- David Tangipa (AD08)
- Previous Role: District Representative for Fresno County Supervisor Nathan Magsig; Real Estate Professional.
- Background: Focused on public safety and forest management in the Central Valley.
- Catherine Stefani (AD19)
- Previous Role: San Francisco Board of Supervisors; Deputy District Attorney.
- Background: Known for advocating public safety, housing affordability, and gun control.
- Michelle Rodriguez (AD53)
- Previous Role: Commissioner on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST); Campus Security Officer.
- Background: Raised in Ontario, with deep involvement in local schools, healthcare, and public safety efforts.
- José Luis Solache (AD62)
- Previous Role: Mayor of Lynwood; President of the Lynwood Unified School District Board.
- Background: Focused on job creation, youth programs, and improving local government transparency.
- Darshana Patel (AD76)
- Previous Role: Poway Unified School Board Trustee; President, San Diego County School Boards Association.
- Background: A research scientist turned education advocate, Patel has guided local schools through fiscal challenges and the pandemic while promoting STEM education.
- LaShae Sharp-Collins (AD79)
- Previous Role: Community Engagement Specialist, San Diego County Office of Education; District Director for former Assemblymember Shirley Weber.
- Background: Focused on equity in education and community partnerships, with a track record of championing underserved student populations.
- Christopher Cabaldon (SD03)
- Previous Role: Mayor of West Sacramento (1998–2020).
- Background: A longtime advocate for sustainable urban development, Cabaldon has championed education reform, Delta protection, and LGBTQ+ rights.
- Jerry McNerney (SD05)
- Previous Role: U.S. Representative (2007–2023).
- Background: A clean energy entrepreneur with a Ph.D. in mathematics, McNerney led efforts in renewable energy, veterans' healthcare, and broadband expansion.
- Jesse Arreguín (SD07)
- Previous Role: Mayor of Berkeley; Berkeley City Councilmember.
- Background: Berkeley’s first Latino mayor, Arreguín is a staunch advocate for affordable housing, climate change mitigation, and progressive policies.
- Tim Grayson (SD09)
- Previous Role: Assemblymember; Mayor of Concord.
- Background: With roots in small business and public service, Grayson has led efforts on housing affordability, job creation, and public safety.
- Suzette Valladares (SD23)
- Previous Role: Assemblymember, AD38; Executive Director of Autism Speaks Southern California.
- Background: Advocated for early childhood education, public safety, and affordability in California’s high-desert communities.
- Sasha Renée Pérez (SD25)
- Previous Role: Vice Mayor of Alhambra.
- Background: Known for her advocacy in housing and urban development, Pérez has worked to improve transparency in local government and expand affordable housing options.
- Eloise Gomez Reyes (SD29)
- Previous Role: Assemblymember, AD50; Attorney and Businesswoman.
- Background: An advocate for working families, Gomez Reyes has focused on expanding healthcare access, worker protections, and educational equity during her tenure.
- Sabrina Cervantes (SD31)
- Previous Role: Assemblymember, AD58.
- Background: An advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and economic development, Cervantes has also championed initiatives supporting small businesses and higher education access.
- Laura Richardson (SD35)
- Previous Role: Long Beach City Councilmember; Assemblymember, AD55; U.S. Congressperson, CD37.
- Background: With extensive experience at local, state, and federal levels, Richardson has prioritized infrastructure, economic growth, and public safety.
- Steven “Steve” Choi (SD37)
- Previous Role: Small Business Owner; Educator; Former Mayor of Irvine and School Board Member
- Background: Choi has emphasized fiscal responsibility, education reform, and local business support throughout his public service career.
This incoming class of state legislators exemplifies the vast diversity of experience drawn from California’s local governments, ready to bring their local knowledge to Sacramento. Their leadership at the community level has prepared them to make an even broader impact at the state level and interact with many of the same constituents they may have already been representing.