Jessica M. Caloza is a Democrat representing California's 52nd Assembly District, which includes East Los Angeles, Northeast Los Angeles, South Glendale, and parts of Los Angeles County. She has served in the California State Assembly since 2024, making history as the first Filipina elected to the California State Legislature. She currently holds the position of Assistant Majority Whip and serves on Subcommittee No. 5 on State Administration. A first-generation immigrant, Caloza won her seat in the November 2024 general election with 66.92% of the vote against Franky Carrillo. She is running for re-election in 2026 and focuses on lowering the cost of living, delivering community resources, and addressing quality-of-life issues for working-class families.

Education and Political Experience

Caloza, approximately 36 years old, built her career in public service prior to the Assembly. She served as a special advisor on gender-based violence and deputy chief of staff for California Attorney General Rob Bonta. Appointed by Mayor Eric Garcetti in 2019, she was a Commissioner on the Los Angeles Board of Public Works, overseeing the Bureau of Engineering and Bureau of Contract Administration, and leading projects like the Sixth Street Bridge and Historic Filipinotown Eastern Gateway. Earlier roles include director of scheduling and policy analyst in the Office of Immigrant Affairs under Garcetti, policy analyst at the U.S. Department of Education, and campaign aide to former Members of Congress Xavier Becerra and Mike Honda.