Two Fil-Ams make history and will serve in the California state Legislature following their wins in the 2024 election. Jessica Caloza (left), former Los Angeles Board of Public Works commissioner, will be the first Filipina in the state Assembly, representing District 52. Christopher Cabaldon (right), former West Sacramento Mayor, is the first Fil-Am in the state Senate and will represent District 3. | Photos courtesy of the Caloza and Cabaldon campaigns
In a historic election, Jessica Caloza and Christopher Cabaldon have both made strides as the first Filipino American duo to serve simultaneously in California’s state Legislature, representing the Assembly and the Senate.
Both Caloza and Cabaldon bring a new wave of Filipino American leadership and visibility to California politics, amplifying the community’s voice in state governance.
Caloza, elected to the California State Assembly for District 52, is the first Filipina American to serve in the Legislature, while Cabaldon, who clinched the lead in the District 3 race, is the first Fil-Am elected to the state Senate.
Both Caloza and Cabaldon bring a new wave of Filipino American leadership and visibility to California politics, amplifying the community’s voice in state governance.
Jessica Caloza: California State Assembly
Caloza’s election is a landmark achievement, making her the first Filipina in the California State Assembly and the third Filipino American to become an assemblymember, following in the footsteps of California Attorney General Rob Bonta and San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria.
Caloza leads the race with 67.1% of the vote (75,485) against challenger Franky Carrillo who got 32.9% of votes, according to results from the California Secretary of State as of November 6.
Representing District 52 — which covers Los Angeles-area neighborhoods of Eagle Rock, Echo Park, south Glendale and more — Caloza’s priorities include economic equity, education reform, and immigrant rights—issues critical to her diverse constituency.
In her campaign ad, Caloza promised to “fight to lower the rising cost of living, protect reproductive rights, address climate change, and fund public schools.”
With her extensive experience in public policy, including her role as a commissioner of the Los Angeles Board of Public Works and her work with the U.S. Department of Education under the Obama administration, Caloza is poised to drive significant legislative efforts on issues such as healthcare, housing, and environmental protection.
Christopher Cabaldon: California State Senate
Cabaldon’s victory marks another milestone as he becomes the first Filipino American to serve in California’s State Senate. Representing District 3, his platform focuses on economic growth, sustainable development, and small business support.
Cabaldon captured 61.2% (175,827) of the vote, beating Thom Bogue who got 38.8%, according to results from the California Secretary of State as of November 6.
His two-decade tenure as Mayor of West Sacramento, coupled with his leadership roles in the California Community Colleges System and the California State Assembly Higher Education Committee, have equipped him with a deep understanding of policy and community needs. As a tenured professor at Sacramento State University, Christopher has taught California government, design thinking for public policy, state and local budgeting, urban economics, and the political environment of policymaking.
Cabaldon’s commitment to inclusive development and workforce support positions him to address key challenges for his district’s nearly one million residents.
A new chapter of representation in California
Together, Caloza and Cabaldon’s historic wins bring the Filipino American community’s perspectives into the heart of California’s decision-making. Their roles in both legislative chambers build on a legacy of representation established by leaders like Attorney General Rob Bonta and San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, who highlight the growing impact of Filipino Americans in shaping policies that reflect the state’s diversity.
California is home to approximately 1.6 million Filipino Americans, according to Pew Research Center, with the highest concentrations in the Los Angeles and San Francisco metropolitan areas.
