Fil-Am

California Attorney General Bonta, Cervania lead Fil-Am delegates at DNC

Bonta and North Carolina State Representative Maria Cervania lead Filipino American delegates at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago

INQUIRER.net US Bureau / 07:27 PM August 19, 2024

California Attorney General Rob Bonta (left) and North Carolina State Representative Maria Cervania. CONTRIBUTED

CHICAGO – California Attorney General Rob Bonta and North Carolina State Representative Maria Cervania are leading the Filipino American delegates at the Democratic National Convention (DNC), which kicked off Monday in Chicago.

Bonta serves as the honorary chair of the Filipino Americans for Harris-Walz delegation, with Cervania as the honorary deputy chair.

Over 40 Fil-Am delegates from across the nation represent states such as California, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Illinois, Virginia and the territories of Guam and Northern Marianas Islands.

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“A record number of Filipino American delegates are proudly representing our community from all corners of the nation,” the Filipino Americans for Harris-Walz said in a statement. “This unprecedented level of participation marks a significant milestone in our ongoing journey toward greater political engagement and representation.”

Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz are expected to formally accept the Democratic nomination to be the next president and vice president of the United States, respectively, as they conclude the convention Thursday.

Serving as attorney general since 2021, Bonta was a member of the California State Assembly for the 18th District from 2012 to 2021, and a member of the Alameda City Council from 2010 to 2012.

The first Filipino American to serve in the California State Legislature, Bonta chaired the California Asian Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus.

Bonta replaced Xavier Becerra, who resigned as attorney general to become US secretary of Health and Human Services in 2021. Becerra was appointed attorney general in 2016, replacing Kamala Harris, who was elected to the US Senate.

Born in Quezon City, Bonta immigrated to California with his family as an infant. He is the son of a proud Filipino mother and a father who taught him the value of service to his community. He is married to California Assemblymember Mia Bonta, and they are the proud parents of three children Reina, Iliana and Andres.

Maria Cervania is a Democratic member of the North Carolina House of Representatives, who has represented the 41st district, including portions of western Wake County, since 2023.

Cervania previously served on the Wake County Board of Commissioners from 2020 to 2022. She is the first Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander (AANHPI) to be elected to the Wake County Board of Commissioners and the first Filipino American elected to office in North Carolina.

Here’s a list of the Filipino American delegates at the DNC.

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