Lt. Governor Kounalakis Welcomes Legislature, Celebrates Historic Gender Representation

Lieutenant GovernorEleni KounalakisWelcomes Legislature Back, Celebrates Historic Gender Representation

For Immediate Release
Monday, December 2, 2024  
Contact: [email protected], (916) 445-8994

SACRAMENTO - Today, Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis proudly welcomed the California Legislature back to Sacramento as it convened for a new legislative session. The new legislature marks a historic step towards gender equity in Sacramento and towards ensuring government reflects all Californians' diverse voices and experiences.

With 35new members sworn in today (12Senators and 23Assembly Members), women now comprise 49%of the Legislature and more than 50% of the State Senate. In 2020, women made up just 31% of the legislature, and 25% in 2016. In 1980, just 9% of California state lawmakers were women.

"Today marks a historic milestone for California and progress in the fight toward equity in our state government and ensuring that the voices, experiences, and needs of women and girls are fully represented at the decision-making table."

"As we begin the 2025 legislative session, I am excited to partner with this new Legislature and Governor Newsom to advance bold, innovative policies that uplift working families and ensure every Californian has an opportunity to achieve the California Dream. Together, we can tackle our most pressing challenges and seize new opportunities to create a stronger, more equitable future for all."

Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis