Rob Bonta has been appointed as California’s next Attorney General, becoming the first Filipino-American to hold the office.
California Governor Gavin Newsom announced on March 24, 2021, that he is nominating Assemblymember Rob Bonta to become the state’s new Attorney General. The Fil-Am will replace Xavier Becerra, who was confirmed last week as President Joe Biden’s new U.S. Health and Human Services secretary.
“Rob represents what makes California great – our desire to take on righteous fights and reverse systematic injustices,” said Governor Newsom.
“Growing up with parents steeped in social justice movements, Rob has become a national leader in the fight to repair our justice system and defend the rights of every Californian. And most importantly, at this moment when so many communities are under attack for who they are and who they love, Rob has fought to strengthen hate crime laws and protect our communities from the forces of hate. He will be a phenomenal Attorney General, and I can’t wait to see him get to work,” adds Governor Newsom.
Rob Bonta, a Bay Area democrat, made history when he became the state’s first Filipino-American state legislator when he was elected in 2012.
The 48-year-old Rob Bonta said he felt “honored and humbled” to be chosen for the post.
I am honored & humbled that @GavinNewsom has chosen me to serve as your next Attorney General. Join our fight. https://t.co/nX8U3Xray4 pic.twitter.com/ANeOOxGIAj
— Rob Bonta (@RobBonta) March 24, 2021
The nomination, which is subject to confirmation by the California State Assembly and Senate within 90 days, will make Bonta the first Filipino-American to serve as attorney general.
The Filipino-American state legislator is the son of activist parents. His mother, Cynthia, a proud Filipina, and Rob’s father Warren were working as missionaries in the Philippines to serve the needs of rural villages through service, community organizing, and ministry.
Bonta served nine years as a Deputy City Attorney in the San Francisco City Attorney’s Office, representing the city and its employees, before running for local office in Alameda County and becoming a statewide leader in the fights for racial, economic and environmental justice, advancing reforms that put California on the cutting edge.
Three Filipina leaders have also been named to top government posts under the administration of new United States President Joe Biden, an affirmation of the government’s track towards diversity in America’s leadership.
Filipino-American Jason Tengco has been named the U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s White House Liaison.
SEND WELL WISHES in the comments below to Rob Bonta who has been named California’s next Attorney General and is set to become the first Filipino-American to hold the office.
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