James Gallagher is a Republican representing California's 3rd Assembly District, which includes Butte, Glenn, Placer, Sutter, Tehama, and Yuba counties. Born in Yuba City in 1981 to a family with deep roots in northern California agriculture—descended from Irish immigrants who settled there in the early 1800s—he is married to his high school sweetheart and has five children. He operates Rice Lawyers, Inc., primarily serving agricultural clients, and has been a vocal critic of California's Democratic leadership, notably on public health mandates during the pandemic. Gallagher served as Assembly Republican Leader and previously as Republican Caucus Chair .

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Bachelor's degree from UC Berkeley; law degree from UC Davis.
• Political Experience: Served six years on the Sutter County Board of Supervisors before election to the California State Assembly in 2014, where he remains in office. Currently serves as Vice Chair of the Budget Committee and member of Elections, Governmental Organization, and Water, Parks, and Wildlife committees.