ADVOCATING FOR THE INDUSTRY WELCOMING NEW LEADERSHIP:
Navigating Legislative Turnover and Building Future Partnerships
BY FELIPE FUENTES T
he November general election brought a wave of new faces – and some familiar ones – to the state
capitol. While Democrats maintained their supermajority in both legislative chambers, they lost two seats in the Assembly and one in the Senate. Te new Assembly composition includes
60 Democrats and 20 Republicans, while Democrats hold 30 of the 40 seats in the Senate. Tis incoming class features 11 new Senators and 23 new Assemblymembers. A vacancy in Assembly District 32 will be filled early next year through a special election in a safe Republican district. Looking ahead to 2026, term limits
will result in new representatives being elected in six Senate and seven Assembly districts. While additional vacancies may arise, at least 40% of the Legislature will have turned over by the end of the 2026 election cycle. Tat same cycle will also see the following constitutional officers term out of office: governor, lieutenant governor, treasurer, insurance commissioner, and superintendent of public instruction. Although many of those elected to the
Legislature are new to the capitol commu- nity, a significant number bring experience from local elected offices or prior service at the state or federal level – or both. With the Legislature poised for considerable turn- over and opportunities for new members to serve up to 12 years, AGC of California’s advocacy team remains focused on building long-term, meaningful relationships with policymakers. Trough jobsite tours, office visits, and
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CALIFORNIA CONSTRUCTOR JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025
the annual AGC of California lobby day, the organization aims to ensure that California’s leaders continue prioritizing investments in the state’s economy and infrastructure. Te success of these efforts relies heavily on the active participation and partnership of AGC of California contractor and associate members. Following is a list and summary of the
incoming members’ backgrounds, provid- ing an opportunity for AGC of California to showcase its expertise and leadership within the contractor community to this new group of lawmakers.
SENATE • Megan Dahle (R), District 1 – Previously served in the Assembly (2019-2024) and on the Big Valley Joint Unified School board. She is married to former State Senator Brian Dahle.
• Christpher Cabaldon (D), District 3 – Mayor of West Sacramento (1998-2020).
• Jerry McNerney (D), District 5 – U.S. House of Representatives (2007-2023).
• Jesse Arreguin (D), District 7 – Berkeley City Council (2008-2016), mayor of Berkeley (2016-2024).
• Tim Grayson (D), District 9 – Served in the Assembly (2016-2024) and is moving over to the Senate.
• Suzette Valladares (R), District 23 - Served in the Assembly (2020-2022). Lost her reelection in a purple district and will keep Senate District 23 Republican with her election to the Senate.
• Sasha Renee Perez (D), District 25 – Served on the Alhambra City Council and
as its mayor (2020-2024).
• Eloise Gomez Reyes (D), District 29 – Served in the Assembly (2016-2024) and is moving to the Senate.
• Sabrina Cervantes (D), District 31 – Served in the Assembly (2016-2024) and is moving to the Senate.
• Laura Richardson (D), District 35 – Served in the Assembly (2006-2007) before being elected to the House of Representatives (2007-2013) in a special election. Began her career on the Long Beach City Council (2000-2006).
• Steven Choi (R), District 37 – Served in the Assembly (2016-2022) after his service as mayor of Irvine (2012-2016). Prior to that he served on the Irvine City Council (2004-2012). Defeated Josh Newman in a newly drawn competitive district.
ASSEMBLY • Heather Hadwick (R), District 1 – Small business owner of a cattle and hay farm.
• Chris Rogers (D), District 2 – Served on the Santa Rosa City Council (2106-2024) and as its mayor.
• Maggie Krell (D), District 6 – Served as a deputy attorney general before being elected.
• David Tangipa (R), District 8 – Served as a field deputy for a Fresno County supervisor.
• Rhodesia Ransom (D), District 13 – Recently served on the Tracy City Council.
• Anamarie Avila Farias (D), District 15 – Served a single term on the Martinez City Council (2012).
• Catherine Stefani (D), District 19 – Served on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors (2018-2024)
With the Legislature poised for considerable turnover and opportunities for new members to serve up to 12 years, AGC of California’s advocacy team remains focused on building long-term, meaningful relationships with policymakers.
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