08/22/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/22/2024 16:25
SACRAMENTO - The California Legislative Women's Caucus (LWC) elected its leaders for the 2025-2026 Legislative Session. In a vote of acclamation, the LWC membership elected Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters) as its Chair and Senator Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara) as its Vice Chair. Their two-year terms will commence in December 2024.
This election comes as the LWC anticipates growing its membership to 58 members next year, from the current 50 members, and achieving gender parity in the Senate. The body elects its Caucus leaders every two years, with the positions of Chair and Vice Chair alternating between the two houses of the Legislature each cycle.
"It's an honor to pass the baton to Assembly Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry," said LWC Chair Senator Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley). "Cecilia has engaged our members, helping them advance policies that benefit women and families throughout the state. She's also worked hard at increasing women's representation in the Legislature."
"I am grateful to my colleagues for entrusting me with the role of Chair of the Legislative Women's Caucus," said LWC Vice Chair and LWC Chair-Elect Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters). "I don't take this work lightly and know that while we have made strides in the right direction there is still much to be done. Two years ago, when I became Vice Chair of the Caucus, our goal was to build our ranks to 50 or more women Senators and Assemblymembers, and this year we hope to increase that number to 58 or more. I have seen firsthand how significant it is to have more women at the table to address issues impacting women and children. I am excited to work with our incoming vice chair, my dear friend and colleague Senator Monique Limón, and to build on the incredible work done by our current Chair Senator Nancy Skinner, on so many important issues. I continue being committed to promoting a more healthy and safe environment that respects everyone, regardless of gender, background, race, ethnicity or orientation in every workplace, especially the legislative workplace."
Now serving in her fourth term in office, Assembly Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry was first elected to the California State Assembly in 2016.
"I am honored that my colleagues have elected me to serve as Vice Chair of the bipartisan California Legislative Women's Caucus," said LWC Vice Chair-Elect Senator Monique Limón, D-Santa Barbara. "As a member who has worked on behalf of women and families for almost 8 years in the State Legislature, I look forward to continuing this work as Vice Chair. I am ready to work alongside Chair Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry and our caucus members to ensure California women have their voices heard in our Capitol."
Senator Limón is serving her second term in the California State Senate. She previously served two terms in the California State Assembly, where she served as Vice Chair of the LWC from 2018 to 2020.
Formed in 1985, the bipartisan California Legislative Women's Caucus now includes 50 legislators of both parties, including 18 Senators and 32 Assemblymembers. Women in the legislature account for 42 percent in both the Senate and Assembly. Additionally, five women serve as Constitutional Officers. The Legislative Women's Caucus represents and advocates on behalf of the diverse interests of women, children and families throughout California. It seeks to increase participation and representation of women in state government. Women's Caucus members seek to promote sound legislative policies and budget priorities that will improve the well-being of women, children and families and to work cooperatively with local, state and national women's organizations interested in advancing policies to achieve these same objectives.
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