Assembly Democrats will allow Speaker Anthony Rendon to remain at the helm of the party’s caucus until June 30, then will transfer power to Robert Rivas, who unsuccessfully tried to take over the caucus earlier this year.
The decision followed a six-hour closed-door caucus of around 60 members Thursday. Incumbent Democrats on the ballot in this week’s election and candidates poised to win their Assembly races were invited to the meeting.
Several Assembly Democrats say the decision was unanimous and signified a show of unity for the party, which has been divided by the leadership fight and what some members felt was a lack of election fundraising support from Rendon.
Party caucuses in the Legislature typically choose their leadership between elections and the start of a new legislative session. The official votes will take place during lawmakers’ swearing-in and organizing session on Dec. 5.
Rivas, the son of farmworkers, will be the first Speaker in the modern era to represent a rural district. His district includes parts of San Benito, Santa Clara and Monterey counties.
“Only in California can we say that a kid that came from farmworker housing ascended to be the next Speaker of the California state Assembly,” Rivas told reporters after the meeting.
“At the end of the day, this was always about unifying our caucus. It was always about having a plan to succeed Speaker Anthony Rendon,” he said. “And I’m very proud to say we accomplished that.”
June 30 marks a crucial deadline for lawmakers and the governor to approve a state budget.
Rendon did not speak to reporters after the caucus but said in a press release that he was “pleased to retain my colleagues’ support to continue as Speaker of the California Assembly and leader of our Democratic Caucus.”
“I will continue working for the Californians who need it most, and keep putting power in the hands of my members, especially those who are underrepresented. I look forward to working with Assemblymember Rivas in anticipation of a smooth transition in 2023. Now, it is time to work together for California.”
Rivas previously tried to take control of the chamber in May, when he announced he had the votes from within the caucus to become Speaker.
But Rendon was still in charge after a drawn-out meeting of the caucus days later. He and Rivas released a joint statement agreeing that Rendon would continue to lead the chamber “for at least the rest of this legislative session.” At the time, Rendon acknowledged that Rivas had “the support of a majority of the current Democratic Caucus to succeed me as Speaker.”
The Assembly Speaker wields enormous influence over the chamber’s agenda: they appoint committee chairs and can decide which legislation to bring to the floor for votes.
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