California Latino Legislative Caucus Elects New Leadership, Expands Leadership Team in Historic First

Sacramento – The California Latino Legislative Caucus (CLLC) has elected Assemblymember Juan Carrillo (D-Palmdale) as its next Chair and Senator Eloise Gómez Reyes (D-Colton) as Vice Chair for the 2027–28 legislative session. For the first time in the Caucus’ history, members also elected leaders to two newly created positions: Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Oakland) as Treasurer and Senator Caroline Menjivar (D-San Fernando Valley) as Secretary.

Each leadership position carries a two-year term, and the newly elected team will assume their roles at the start of the new legislative session in December.

The CLLC is currently comprised of 38 members, including 35 legislators and three constitutional officers, making it the largest ethnic legislative caucus in California. The Caucus works to advance policies that improve the quality of life, economic opportunity, health, and well-being of Latino communities and all Californians.

“The Latino Caucus is growing, and our leadership team is growing with it. I look forward to seeing our newly-elected leadership team step into their roles later this fall and build on the strong work of our Caucus—fighting for Latino and immigrant communities and advancing economic opportunity, health, and well-being for all Californians,” said Senator Lena Gonzalez, Chair of the California Latino Legislative Caucus.

“I am deeply honored and humbled by the trust my colleagues have placed in me to serve as Chair of the California Latino Legislative Caucus.  I was born in Mexico and came to this country with the hopes and aspirations of the American Dream. Through education, hard work, and a commitment to public service, I have had the opportunity to give back to the communities that shaped me. To now lead the Latino Caucus is an incredible honor and responsibility,” said Assemblymember Juan Carrillo, Chair-Elect of the Latino Caucus.

“I accept this responsibility with tremendous gratitude - to my colleagues for their trust, to the community that raised me, and to the generations of Latinos whose hard work and sacrifice opened doors for those of us who have had the opportunity to serve,” said Senator Reyes. “Our communities have helped build California, and they deserve to have a meaningful voice in shaping its future. As Vice Chair, I look forward to working alongside my colleagues to expand opportunity, strengthen representation, and ensure that the next generation has even greater opportunities to lead, serve, and succeed,” said Senator Eloise Gómez Reyes, Vice Chair-Elect of the Latino Caucus. 

“Latino issues are California issues. I’m honored to bring a focus to this role as treasurer of the California Latino Legislative Caucus, using our caucus’s resources to build power in Sacramento for the needs of our community. Medi-Cal and CalFresh recipients are predominantly Latino, and Latinos drive our economy while facing overwhelming challenges from rising economic inequality. I look forward to working with my colleagues to tackle these issues head-on, support young Latino leaders, and deliver for California,” said Assemblymember Mia Bonta, Treasurer-Elect of the Latino Caucus. 

For more information about the California Latino Legislative Caucus, please visit our website at latinocaucus.legislature.ca.gov.

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Since its creation in 1973, the California Latino Legislative Caucus has grown in number and stature. There are now a record 38 members of the Caucus, including 35 legislators, 3 constitutional officeholders, and a historic majority of 22 Latina members. The Caucus boasts a rich history of empowerment, legislative and political success and serves as one of the most influential and strategic organizations in California focusing primarily on improving the quality of life for California’s Latino working families.