CALIFORNIA LEGISLATIVE LGBT CAUCUS WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS AFTER 2016 ELECTION

November 28, 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SACRAMENTO, CA – The California Legislative Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Caucus welcomed three new members to its roster following the 2016 election: Senator Elect Scott Wiener (SD 11), and Assemblymembers Elect Sabrina Cervantes (AD 60) and Todd Gloria (AD 78). Speaker Emeritus Toni G. Atkins retains membership in the Caucus after winning election to the State Senate.

The Caucus also bid farewell to Senator Mark Leno (D-San Francisco) and Assemblymember Richard Gordon (D-Menlo Park), who are departing the Caucus after this year due to term limits.

“On behalf of the Caucus, I extend warm congratulations to our newly elected colleagues. We look forward to working with them to advance pro-LGBTQ measures in the State Legislature,” said Assemblymember Susan Talamantes Eggman, Chair of the Caucus. “Increasing LGBTQ elected official representation at the local, state, and national level is imperative to securing LGBTQ equality, and brining visibility to the needs of our community. The results of this year’s presidential election will not deter us from this mission, and we will do everything in our power to protect the progress that we have made in California.”

Originally formed in 2002, the Caucus serves as a forum for the California State Legislature to discuss issues that affect LGBTQ Californians, with the goal of furthering equality and justice for all residents in the State. Comprising members of the State Senate and Assembly, Caucus members currently include: Susan Talamantes Eggman (Chair), Toni G. Atkins, Mark Leno, Cathleen Galgiani, Ricardo Lara, Richard S. Gordon, and Evan Low. California was the first state in the country to recognize an official caucus of openly-LGBTQ state legislators.

Below follows newly elected members’ comments on joining the Caucus:

Senator Elect Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco):

"I'm deeply honored to serve in the State Senate, particularly during the difficult political period we're entering nationally. With a hostile President and Congress, it's more important than ever for the LGBT community to have a strong voice and seat at the table. California must continue to push the envelope on progressive policy and serve as a counter-balance to the federal government. Having a strong LGBT Caucus is crucial to playing this role, and I'm honored to join such a strong and effective caucus."

Assemblymember Elect Todd Gloria (D-San Diego):

"It is a tremendous honor to be part of the LGBT Caucus. Now more than ever, I believe it is the progressive policies and inclusive nature of California that will keep our nation moving forward. Working together with my colleagues in the caucus, I know we will ensure California remains both open and accepting of all people and that we continue to celebrate the diversity that makes our state great."

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Media Contacts:

Assemblymember Susan Talamantes Eggman

Christian Burkin, (916) 319-2013, Christian.Burkin@asm.ca.gov

California Legislative Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Caucus

Chelsea Lee, (916) 319-2013, Chelsea.Lee@asm.ca.gov