California Legislature Faces Another Historic Turnover as 34 Lawmakers Set to Depart

By Tom Sheehy

The California Legislature wrapped up its session on August 31, but significant changes are on the horizon for the upcoming term. Following the November 5 elections, up to 34 new members could join the Legislature in December.

Eight Assembly members, including Reggie Jones-Sawyer, Chris Holden, and Marie Waldron, are being termed out. Additionally, other notable departures include Megan Dahle, who is running for the California Senate to replace her husband, and Jim Wood, who is retiring before being forced out by term limits. Kevin McCarty, representing Sacramento, is also making a bid for mayor.

Several Assembly members are pursuing congressional seats or other offices, such as Luz Rivas and Laura Friedman, who are giving up their Assembly terms. Sabrina Cervantes and Akilah Weber are both stepping down to run for State Senate in two open races. Miguel Santiago, who recently lost a city council race, is also stepping down.

In the Senate, 10 members, including Toni Atkins, Steve Bradford, and Bill Dodd, will not return. Additionally, Senator Dave Min is leaving early to run for Congress, and Senator Janet Nguyen is considering a return to Orange County politics as a supervisor.

With at least 24 Assembly members and 10 senators departing, California will see a record 34 members not returning for the 2024-2026 session. This transition represents a pivotal moment in California politics, signaling significant changes ahead. Stay tuned for more updates as developments unfold.

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