AnthonyRendon

Today, Long Beach Assemblymember Anthony Rendon was officially elected as the next State Assembly Speaker in the California State Assembly, with ringing endorsements and a speech.

Though the California Democratic Caucus selected him in September, it was not until the vote today that his new position was official. He will assume office on March 7.

“I thank my colleagues for the confidence they have placed in me and for this immense privilege to serve,” Rendon said in a statement. “We as policymakers have a great deal of work ahead of us to meet the challenges Californians demand we address.”

Rendon is currently serving his second term in office.

“With the annual budget process underway, my immediate priority is working with my colleagues to negotiate a budget that represents the values of the people of California,” Rendon said. “Moving forward, the Assembly has a tremendous opportunity to address not only short-term goals but also the lingering long-term issues facing our state.”

In his speech, Rendon discussed “creating a better California,” including engaging residents in democracy, creating a safer environment with clean air and water and better access to education as well as opportunities to escape poverty.

In later tweets, Rendon said he hoped to be an advocate for the LGBTQ community.

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