Assemblymember Kristin Olsen (R-Modesto) was reaffirmed Thursday as the Assembly Republican Leader for the upcoming legislative session, succeeding termed-out Assemblymember Connie Conway (R-Tulare).
“I am working hard to unify our Caucus and unify our party around core principles that will energize our state and restore California’s greatness,” said recently re-elected Olsen. “Good jobs, great schools, and a more transparent, citizen-focused government are policy priorities that our Caucus will provide solutions for.”
“We have so much work to do in California to become the envy of the nation again, and I truly believe that we can be a Caucus and we can be leaders who can get things done without sacrificing our principles.”
Republicans gained a net three seats in the Assembly. For the first time in 20 years, three incumbent Democratic members in the Assembly were defeated.
Following Tuesday’s election, there will be eight female Assemblymembers in the Republican Caucus during the upcoming session. Many firsts in the Republican Caucus, including Assemblymember-Elect Young Kim (R-Fullerton) as the first Korean-American woman and Assemblymember-Elect Ling-Ling Chang (R-Diamond Bar) as first Taiwanese-American woman.
Assembly Speaker Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) gave commentary regarding the Republican net-gain of three seats.
“Despite a strong Republican headwind, a record low turnout and a historically high number of seats to defend, the Assembly still retains a huge voting majority,” said Atkins. “California remains a very blue state, and overall voters have faith in the direction we’re headed.”
The Legislature’s biggest achievements, according to the Speaker, are the passage of the water bond and rainy day fund which were approved overwhelmingly by voters independent of the Democratic supermajority.
On Dec. 1, the Democratic caucus will hold 52 of the 80 seats in the State Assembly.
