Jessica Caloza
Jessica Caloza | |
|---|---|
Official portrait, 2024 | |
| Member of the California State Assembly from the 52nd district | |
| Assumed office December 2, 2024 | |
| Preceded by | Wendy Carrillo |
| Personal details | |
| Born | |
| Alma mater | University of California, San Diego (BA) |
Jessica Caloza is an American politician, serving as a member of the California State Assembly for the 52nd District since 2024. A member of the Democratic Party, she is the first Filipina elected to the California State Legislature.[1] She also serves as the Assistant Majority Whip.
Early life and education
Caloza was born in Quezon City, Philippines, and immigrated to the United States as a child. She comes from a working-class background and graduated from the University of California, San Diego with a bachelor's degree in international relations and ethnic studies. Caloza is the first person in her family to graduate from college in the United States.[1]
Career
Caloza is a longtime public servant and started her career working as a community organizer for President Barack Obama's campaign in Virginia. She went on to work as a policy advisor in the Obama Administration at the U.S. Department of Education in Washington, D.C.[1] After serving at the federal level, Caloza worked for Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti[2] in the Office of Immigrant Affairs. In 2019, she was appointed by Mayor Garcetti to serve as a Commissioner on the Board of Public Works, which is the only full-time commission in the City of Los Angeles. She oversaw the Bureau of Engineering and the Bureau of Contract Administration and led critical infrastructure projects and neighborhood beautification initiatives like the Sixth Street Bridge and Historic Filipinotown Eastern Gateway. She also led initiatives to support small businesses and critical policies that expanded language access to make city services more accessible. After working at the local level, Caloza joined the California Department of Justice and served as the deputy chief of staff to California Attorney General Rob Bonta.
California State Assembly
In July 2023, Caloza announced her campaign for the California State Assembly in the 52nd District to replace incumbent Wendy Carrillo, who ran for the Los Angeles City Council. In the March 2024 primary, Caloza and Franky Carrillo advanced to the general election from a crowded field of ten candidates.[2][3] In November 2024, Caloza handily won the general election, beating Carrillo—108,882 votes (66.92%) to her opponent's 53,820 (33.08%).[4]
Electoral history
| Primary election | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
| Democratic | Jessica Caloza | 23,391 | 29.8 | |
| Democratic | Franky Carrillo | 20,569 | 26.2 | |
| Republican | Stephen Sills | 10,082 | 12.8 | |
| Democratic | David Girón | 9,184 | 11.7 | |
| Democratic | Ari Ruiz | 5,832 | 7.4 | |
| Democratic | Carlos J. León | 2,628 | 3.3 | |
| Democratic | Genesis Coronado | 2,583 | 3.3 | |
| Democratic | Sofia Quinones | 2,080 | 2.6 | |
| Green | Shannel Pittman | 1,160 | 1.5 | |
| Democratic | Anthony Libertino Fanara | 992 | 1.3 | |
| Total votes | 78,501 | 100.0 | ||
| General election | ||||
| Democratic | Jessica Caloza | 108,882 | 66.9 | |
| Democratic | Franky Carrillo | 53,820 | 33.1 | |
| Total votes | 162,702 | 100.0 | ||
| Democratic hold | ||||
References
- ^ a b c Rueda, Nimfa (March 3, 2024). "Fil-Am's bid for California Assembly offers hope for more representation". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved November 7, 2024.
- ^ a b Sosa, Anabel (October 3, 2024). "Your guide to California's Assembly District 52 race: Caloza vs. Carrillo". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved November 7, 2024.
- ^ Nelson, Elgin (October 8, 2024). "Tracking Assembly District 52 race: Jessica Caloza and Franky Carrillo". Boyle Heights Beat. Retrieved November 7, 2024.
- ^ "General Election - Statement of Vote, November 5, 2024". California Secretary of State. Retrieved 2024-12-20.
- ^ "March 5, 2024, Presidential Primary Election - State Assemblymember" (PDF). Secretary of State of California. Retrieved September 19, 2025.
- ^ "November 5, 2024, General Election - State Assemblymember" (PDF). Secretary of State of California. Retrieved September 19, 2025.