Amidst the recent shakeup in the California Assembly leadership, the question of winners and losers reverberates in the political circles of Sacramento. The announcement by new Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas regarding committee chair appointments and removals has sparked discussions about the political fortunes of various figures.
Among the victors are Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, a Davis Democrat appointed as Assembly majority leader, and Jesse Gabriel from Encino, who assumes control of the budget committee during a period of fiscal challenges. Notably, the changes involve the replacement of Phil Ting, a San Francisco Assemblymember known for his contributions to state budgets addressing childcare, climate change, and education.
Conversely, Isaac Bryan of Culver City experienced a setback, transitioning from the majority leader position to chairing the Natural Resources committee. This shift raised concerns about the lack of Black representation in the new speaker’s inner circle.
A significant beneficiary in this political rearrangement appears to be the YIMBYs (Yes In My Backyard activists). Advocating for legislation facilitating diverse housing construction, even if it means curtailing local control, they find themselves on an upward trajectory. The committee assignments under Rivas underscore a pro-housing legislative direction, with a deliberate elevation of members favoring aggressive housing policies.
Key changes include Chris Ward taking over as chair of the Assembly’s housing committee, succeeding Buffy Wicks. Ward’s selection signals a continued pro-density stance, especially noteworthy considering his previous proposal for ambitious urban development legislation.
In a notable move, Assemblymember Lori Wilson’s rise in the transportation committee suggests positive prospects for dense development near public transit hubs. Meanwhile, Isaac Bryan’s shift to chair the Natural Resources committee carries implications for state housing policy, given the committee’s historical influence on density-related bills.
Beyond housing, the reshuffling extends to committees such as Public Safety, where Kevin McCarty assumes leadership, succeeding Reggie Jones-Sawyer. The move follows interventions in the handling of a bill on child sex trafficking penalties, reflecting a broader focus on balanced crime policies.
Mia Bonta’s departure from the Budget subcommittee on public safety due to conflict of interest concerns, given her husband’s role as Attorney General, leads to her new position as head of the Health Committee.
As Speaker Rivas navigates these changes, he emphasizes unity within the Assembly, asserting a collective commitment to delivering what Californians expect from their Legislature as the state approaches an election year with all 80 seats in contention.
