CA LGBTQ legislative caucus set to grow by single digits

Following last week’s primary races for seats in the state Assembly or Senate, the Legislative LGBTQ Caucus is looking at the likelihood of growing by single digits later this year. At the moment, its membership stands at 14 Democratic legislators.

It is all but assured of maintaining that number following the November 3 general election, with the nine incumbent members up for reelection this year shoo-ins to win their races. And the caucus could very well see its ranks grow to 16 in December when the winners of the fall contests are sworn into office.

With her commanding first-place finish in her primary for the open 31st Assembly District seat, gay Democratic Fresno City Councilmember Annalisa Perea is set to become the first LGBTQ member of the Legislature from her section of the Central Valley. As she and the other Democrat in the race garnered 62% of the primary vote, Perea is expected to easily defeat Republican Jim Polsgrove in November to succeed termed out Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula (D-Fresno).

“As the latest results continue to show a lead, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the incredible support of our volunteers, supporters, and voters,” Perea wrote in a June 5 Instagram post. “This moment belongs to all of us who came together around a shared vision for Fresno County’s future. While there is much to celebrate, our work is far from over. Onward to November!”



https://www.ebar.com/story/167136/News/Politics/Political%20Notebook%3A%20CA%20LGBTQ%20legislative%20caucus%20set%20to%20grow%20by%20single%20digits