Washington, DC – KAYA: Filipino Americans for Progress joins California State Treasurer Fiona Ma and the National Association of Filipino American Lawyers Association (NFALA) in strongly supporting Assemblymember Rob Bonta (18th District) for appointment to Attorney General of California. “Rob’s leadership and accomplishments as a California legislator and life-long community advocate for racial, economic, and social justice make him an exemplary choice to protect and serve the people and interests of California.” says California State Treasurer Fiona Ma. If appointed, Assemblymember Rob Bonta would be the highest ranking Filipino American Democrat in the nation as California’s top law enforcement official. KAYA and NFALA join other community organizations and individuals in a letter writing campaign to Governor Newsom in support of their endorsement.
Rob Bonta brings a passion for and commitment to protecting and empowering marginalized communities, values instilled in him at a young age. The child of a mother who would flee dictatorship in the Philippines and fight for years to restore democracy, and a father who marched for equality and justice in solidarity with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Rob Bonta’s parents lived in La Paz, the headquarters of the United Farm Workers of America where they worked organizing Filipino and Mexican American farm workers.
KAYA: Filipino Americans for Progress is a national advocacy organization of leaders and community organizers working to mobilize the Filipino American community to support and develop leaders who are committed to equal and progressive representation. “Assemblymember Rob Bonta made history as the first Filipino American ever elected to the California State Assembly. He has distinguished himself as a groundbreaking and effective legislator, leader, and strong community advocate, especially for California’s most vulnerable populations.” states Mary Tablante, National Co-Chair for KAYA: Filipino Americans for Progress.
He has a proven track record of advancing progressive policies having authored, co-authored, and supported significant legislation on issues ranging from criminal justice, consumer safety, tenants’ rights, immigrant rights, environmental protection, and health care.
Assemblymember Rob Bonta also carries strong community support having won landslide victories in his last four elections, and strong bipartisan respect from colleagues, leaders, and community groups across the state. He currently serves as the Assistant Majority Leader, as well as on the Appropriations, Communications and Conveyance, Governmental Organization, and Health Committees. A lawyer by training, Assemblymember Rob Bonta obtained his Juris Doctorate from Yale Law School, before a nearly 20-year career in public service. He served as Deputy City Attorney for the San Francisco City Attorney’s Office, Director of the Alameda Health Care District and later as Vice Mayor of the City of Alameda before being elected to the California State Assembly’s 18th District in 2012, where he represents the racially and economically diverse cities of Oakland, Alameda, and San Leandro.
California has the largest Asian population of any U.S. state and Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are the fastest-growing racial groups in the U.S. electorate. The 2020 census is expected to reflect continued rapid population growth among these populations. Assemblymember Rob Bonta’s appointment to Attorney General of California would not only reflect the diversity of the community he represents, but also his commitment to public service. His track record of successful legislation on progressive policies makes Assemblymember Bonta ready on day one to confront the challenges that lie ahead for California and our country.
With communities struggling economically from the COVID-19 pandemic, the anti-immigrant and racist rhetoric in the current political discourse, and with climate change looming as the most pressing existential threat of our time, Assemblymember Rob Bonta’s proven record and experience are exactly the kind of strong leadership California needs.
