Sacramento, CA — On January 6th, a group of some of California’s most prominent Asian and Pacific Islander (API) leaders gathered to show support for the appointment of Assemblymember Rob Bonta in light of outgoing Attorney General Xavier Becerra’s departure following his appointment to President-elect Joe Biden’s cabinet. A growing grassroots effort has been building to elect an API to the newly vacant seat with a critical mass coalescing around Asm. Bonta.
“Rob’s leadership and accomplishments as a California legislator and life-long community advocate for racial, economic, and social justice make him an exemplary choice to protect and serve the people and interests of California,” says California State Treasurer, Fiona Ma.
Elected to the California State Assembly’s 18th District in 2012, Asm. Bonta represents the cities of Oakland, Alameda, and San Leandro. He became the first Filipino American state legislator in California’s then 160-plus-year history. In this capacity, he currently serves as the Assistant Majority Leader. Additionally, he serves on the Appropriations, Communications and Conveyance, Governmental Organization, and Health Committees.
“Rob and I are both proud sons of immigrants with roots in the Central Valley where the farm labor movement began. He was born in that legacy and has carried it with him throughout his career. I have no doubt that as our next Attorney General he will continue to be a fierce community advocate for all Californians and an honest and fair leader,” says Rep. TJ Cox (ret.).
Growing up in a trailer a stone’s throw away from César Chávez’s home, Asm. Bonta watched closely as his parents worked for the United Farm Workers of America and organized Filipino and Mexican American farmworkers. This foundation has led Asm. Bonta to author legislation supporting labor, community, and small businesses.
“Rob Bonta has consistently championed the types of policies that promote small business and local economies. Throughout his career, Rob has demonstrated his commitment to the minority small business community ensuring that our interests are represented in the legislature. Cal Asian Chamber enthusiastically supports this community effort as he is our resounding choice for the next Attorney General of California,” says Pat Fong Kushida, CEO of, California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce.
Bonta has most recently gained national attention for his authorship of historic bail reform legislation from news commentator and activist, Van Jones. Among this growing list of supporters include numerous legal, labor, and community organizations as well as elected officials from around the state.
White House Hosted AAPI Stakeholders Conference Call
