First Filipina elected to California Assembly sworn into office

Jessica Caloza / CONTRIBUTED

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Assemblymember Jessica Caloza made history as the first Filipina to serve in the California Assembly as she was sworn into office Monday at the State Capitol in Sacramento, Calif.

Caloza took the oath of office to represent California’s 52nd Assembly District, which covers South Glendale, East Los Angeles and Northeast Los Angeles. The ceremony, which took place on the Assembly floor, was attended by family, friends and local leaders.

“As the first Filipina elected to the State Legislature, I’m honored to break this glass ceiling because women—especially women of color—belong in all spaces where decisions are being made, including at the Capitol,” Caloza said.

“As an immigrant and the proud daughter of working-class parents, I’m deeply grateful for the outpouring of support.”

Caloza has defeated fellow Democrat Franky Carrillo in the race to represent California’s Assembly District 52.

She secured a win with 108,882 votes, or 66.9 percent of the ballots counted as of press time. Carrillo had 53,820 votes, or 33.1 percent. The final results will be certified on Dec. 13.

Caloza said she is all set to address the most pressing issues in the District and will tackle the rising cost of living, build more affordable housing, create good-paying jobs, support small businesses, protect the environment and invest in public schools.

First-generation immigrant

A first-generation immigrant, Caloza was born in Quezon City, Philippines. In her speeches during her campaign, she said her working-class parents have inspired her to fight for working families.

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Her mother, who worked as a cashier at gas stations and the 99 Cents store, attended vocational school and retired as a nursing assistant. Her father worked his way up from janitor to hospital orderly.

Caloza was the first in her family to graduate from college. After graduation from UC San Diego, she knew she wanted to be in public service.

She has served in various roles in government, most recently as the deputy chief of staff to California Attorney General Rob Bonta. Previously, Caloza served as a Los Angeles public works commissioner and also worked in President Barack Obama’s administration as an education policy advisor.

Caloza has also served as a community organizer on President Obama’s campaign and worked for social justice nonprofits that provided critical services to immigrants, working families and youth.