Members of the California Legislative Women’s Caucus for the 2025–2026 session gather on the Assembly floor at the State Capitol in Sacramento, marking a historic moment as women now hold 49% of all legislative seats. — Photo courtesy of the California Legislative Women’s Caucus.
SACRAMENTO – Women now hold nearly half of the seats in the California State Legislature, marking a historic milestone that positions the state as one of the most gender-diverse political bodies in the United States.
As of the 2025–2026 session, 37 women serve in the 80-member Assembly and 21 in the 40-member Senate—totaling 58 lawmakers, or about 48.3 percent of the Legislature. This includes, for the first time in state history, numerical parity in the Senate, where women now make up exactly half of the chamber. Some legislative leaders note the figure is often rounded to “49 percent,” with a pending special election expected to bring the total to 59 later this year.
“This isn’t just a win for women — it’s a win for all Californians,” said Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, chair of the California Legislative Women’s Caucus. “We are shaping a Legislature that better reflects the people it serves.”
The Women’s Caucus, which has grown to 50 members across both chambers, is expected to expand to 58 members later this year. Women lawmakers now lead or co-chair powerful committees that oversee the state budget, education, health, labor, and climate policy.
This level of representation marks a dramatic shift from just a few decades ago. In 1980, women held fewer than 10 percent of seats in the California Legislature. Today, California ranks among the top states in gender equity at the legislative level, drawing national attention from advocacy groups and scholars alike.
Additional milestones are also being celebrated. The California Legislative Black Caucus now includes nine Black women among its 12 members—another historic first.
