California’s first Filipina assemblymember takes on top leadership role

Jessica Caloza has been appointed assistant majority whip of the California State Assembly. CONTRIBUTED

LOS ANGELES – California’s first Filipina assemblymember, Jessica Caloza (D-Los Angeles), has been appointed assistant majority whip of the California State Assembly.

Her appointment to this top post by Speaker Robert Rivas cements her leadership role in state legislature.

A key member of the leadership team, the assistant majority whip works to advance policies that address the challenges facing California, including housing affordability, energy costs and economic opportunity.

“I am deeply honored to serve as Assistant Majority Whip under Speaker Rivas’ leadership,” said Caloza. “Californians need and want us to deliver real progress on quality of life issues that impact their lives and livelihoods. I’m committed to delivering solutions and look forward to working tirelessly with my colleagues to stand up for all working families across our state.”

Caloza is a proud immigrant and daughter of working-class parents. She was sworn into office earlier this month and made history as the first Filipina elected to the California legislature.

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This appointment comes as voters elected a groundbreaking class of leaders, featuring a record number of Asian American women serving in elected office and the highest number of women in committee chair and leadership roles in state history.

“Assemblymember Caloza’s leadership and focus on practical solutions make her an invaluable member of our leadership team,” said Rivas. “Her dedication to addressing the needs of working families and improving the quality of life for all Californians is exactly what our state needs.”

“I’m proud our Assembly boasts the greatest number of women legislators and committee leaders in California history,” he added.

Caloza represents the 52nd Assembly District, which includes East Los Angeles, Northeast Los Angeles and South Glendale.

She brings extensive federal, state and local experience as a former deputy chief of staff at the California Department of Justice, Los Angeles Public Works commissioner and policy advisor at the US Department of Education.