The Asian and Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus announced its selection of Assemblymember Rob Bonta (D-Oakland) to lead the Caucus, effective today. In 2012, history was made when Bonta became the first and only Filipino American ever elected to the California State Legislature in the state’s 165-year history. His selection as API Caucus Chair is another historic first.
Bonta issued the following statement today, which marks the first day of his chairmanship:
"Thank you to my good friend and outgoing Chair, Assemblymember Das Williams, whose strong and effective leadership over the past two years sharpened the Caucus' vision, reinvigorated our work, and set all of us on a strong path toward improving the lives of Asian Pacific Islanders throughout California.
"I am humbled and honored to serve with such an amazing group of talented and dedicated legislators in the API Caucus. I look forward to working together to further empower and uplift the API community in California and beyond,” Bonta concluded.
Assemblymember Bonta represents the 18th Assembly District, which includes the cities of Oakland, Alameda, and San Leandro. Bonta Chairs the Assembly Public Employees, Retirement, and Social Security Committee and the Select Committee on the Status of Boys and Men of Color in California.