Robert Rivas Sworn-In As New Speaker of the California Assembly on June 30

 

SACRAMENTO — Robert Rivas took the oath as 71st Speaker of the California State Assembly during a special session Friday, June 30 at the Capitol.

 

Surrounded by family, and with Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi and Governor Gavin Newsom by his side, the Central Coast Democrat vowed to fight for a once and future California Dream.

 

“California is still the greatest state in the union,” Rivas said in his remarks. “But if we do not act with greater urgency, it will get more and more difficult to build a good life here. We are responsible for protecting the building blocks of Californians’ everyday lives.”

 

“It is on us.”

 

Legislators, dignitaries and community leaders — including eight former Speakers as well as civil rights icon Dolores Huerta — witnessed California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero deliver the oath of office to Rivas in front of more than 400 people in the Assembly chambers.  

 

In a statement, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi offered encouragement to the new leader. 

“It was my privilege to attend the swearing-in ceremony for Speaker Robert Rivas: a tireless leader in the fight to build a better future for all Californians,” Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi said.  “California leads the nation: defending reproductive freedom, taking on climate action and expanding access to health care.  With Speaker Rivas at the helm in Sacramento, the Assembly will build on our legacy of progress and tackle the tough challenges facing working families in our beloved Golden State.”

 

Dolores Huerta highlighted Rivas’ lived experience, one that propelled him from humble beginnings to the heights of California government. 

 

“Robert Rivas is the embodiment of the California Dream,” Huerta said in a statement. “Rising from farmworker housing to becoming Speaker of the California Assembly, Robert is an ally to workers and underserved communities and will continue to be a champion for all Californians.”

 

Nearly two dozen farmworkers from Speaker Rivas’ district attended as honored guests and were seated at lawmakers’ desks for the event. 

 

After a speech that touched on the need for urgent action and committed to equity for all Californians, Rivas finished his address with a promise:

 

“As your Speaker, I will ensure the California Dream that elevated me, that has elevated so many of us, can elevate future generations,” the new Speaker of the Assembly said. 

 

“That is our responsibility. That is our mission. We will get it done. And we will get it done together.”