AnthonyRendon

AnthonyRendonAssemblymember Anthony Rendon, D-Lakewood—whose district includes North Long Beach—was selected as the next speaker of the California Assembly by the Democratic Caucus in Sacramento on Thursday, during the last week of the legislative session.

Rendon will assume the role as the 70th Speaker of the Assembly after an official vote expected to take place in January 2016.

“I am deeply honored to have the support of my colleagues to become the next Assembly Speaker,” Rendon said in a statement.

Once officially voted into his position, Rendon and current Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins, D-San Diego, will decide on a transition period, according to a press release from Atkins’ office.

“The Caucus has made an excellent choice, and I’m delighted to see everyone uniting behind Assemblymember Rendon,” Atkins stated. “I know he will find the job as rewarding and challenging as I do.”

Atkins has held the position of Assembly Speaker since 2014, and has served in the State Assembly since 2010.

“I thank Speaker Toni Atkins for her incredible grace in leading this house and continuing California’s role at the forefront of the nation and the world,” he said in a statement. 

Fellow Democrats immediately took to Twitter to congratulate Rendon, including Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom and Rendon’s state Senate counterpart Sen. President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon.

Rendon’s focus since assuming office in 2012 has been issues surrounding early childhood education and the environment, according to his website.

He currently chairs the Utilities and Commerce Committee and serves on the Water, Parks & Wildlife, Natural Resources, Public Employees, Retirement and Social Security, and Appropriations Committees.

Above, left: photo courtesy of Assemblymember Anthony Rendon’s office. 

Stephanie Rivera is the community engagement editor. Reach her at [email protected] or on Twitter at @StephRivera88.