David J. Tangipa is a Republican member of the California State Assembly representing District 8, which includes parts of Calaveras, Fresno, Inyo, Madera, Mariposa, Mono, and Tuolumne counties. A first-generation Tongan American and San Joaquin Valley native raised in Sacramento and Fresno, he is a former college football tight end for Fresno State Bulldogs, real estate agent with Modern Broker Inc., and businessman. Elected in 2024 after defeating former U.S. Representative George Radanovich in the general election following incumbent Jim Patterson's retirement , Tangipa serves as a field representative for Fresno County Supervisor Nathan Magsig and is involved in community organizations like the Fresno County Athletic Hall of Fame and Fresno State Bulldog Foundation. Notable achievements include initiating 21 bills in his first session and passage of Assembly Bill 377 in 2025, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, which amends the California High-Speed Rail Act to require a detailed funding plan for the Merced-to-Bakersfield segment. He campaigned on fighting for local control, affordable rural living, and against environmental policies and big government spending.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Criminology, and a master’s degree in Business Administration from Fresno State in 2020.
• Political Experience:
  • Field representative for Fresno County Supervisor Nathan Magsig .
  • Elected to California State Assembly, District 8 .
  • Serves on committees and has sponsored legislation, including the successful AB 377 on high-speed rail funding.