The state Legislature on Thursday, April 23 confirmed Democratic Assemblyman Rob Bonta as California attorney general -- the first Filipino American to assume the role.
“I think it is critical that we, California, have a progressive voice as attorney general, even more so as this nation moves to reevaluate our approach to public safety,” said Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood) in a Los Angeles Times report.
The Legislature approved Bonta by a vote of 29-6 in the state Senate and 62-0 in the Assembly.
Governor Gavin Newsom nominated him last month to replace Xavier Becerra, who stepped down as attorney general after he was appointed as US President Joe Biden’s health and human secretary.
“I am extremely humbled, deeply appreciative and very, very honored,” Bonta said. “I am clear-eyed about the challenges that lie ahead for the state of California, the Department of Justice.”
Bonta, 48, was also the first Filipino American elected to the state legislature in 2012, where he represented the cities of Oakland, Alameda, and San Leandro.
Prior to his election to the state Assembly in 2012, Bonta also served as deputy city attorney of San Francisco and a member of the Alameda City Council.
Bonta, who was born in Quezon City, Philippines, immigrated with his family to California, where his parents worked alongside Cesar Chavez, organizing Latino and Filipino farm workers for racial, economic, and civil rights.
He graduated high school from Oxford University and earned a law degree from Yale Law School in 1998.
The position of Attorney General is one of the state’s most politically powerful jobs. Vice President Kamala Harris and former Gov. Jerry Brown previously held the job.