Robert A. Rivas is a Democratic Assemblymember representing California's 29th Assembly District, which includes parts of Monterey, San Benito, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz counties, encompassing the Pajaro and Salinas valleys of the Central Coast. He has served as the 71st Speaker of the California State Assembly since June 30, 2023, after being first elected to the Assembly in 2018 . A lifelong resident of the district, Rivas grew up in farmworker housing, raised by his single mother and grandparents, and now lives in Hollister with his wife and daughter. Notable achievements include chairing the Assembly Agriculture Committee, serving as vice-chair of the Latino Legislative Caucus, leading the YIMBY movement for housing, authoring the Oil Transportation Safety Act, creating the Golden State Teacher Grant Program, securing the nation's first COVID-19 Farmworker Relief Package, and advancing renewable energy and carbon sequestration efforts.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Bachelor's degree from Sacramento State University; master's degree in public administration from San Jose State University.
• Political Experience:
  • Two terms on the San Benito County Board of Supervisors .
  • Elected to California State Assembly in 2018, defeating Republican Neil G. Kitchens.
  • Assumed role as Speaker in 2023 after a challenge to incumbent Anthony Rendon.
  • Member of the California Legislative Progressive Caucus.