California’s state Senate is set to have at least 50% women representation for the first time in history. As of the next two-year session, there will be 21 women out of 40 members, with some districts still being decided due to undecided races. The total number of women in the Legislature could reach gender parity if eight Assembly seats are gained.
Currently, 32 women hold seats in the state Assembly, with eight expected to leave this year. However, the Assembly is anticipated to gain four to seven new female members. The increase in representation is part of a significant turnover in the Legislature, with up to 36 new members joining.
The historic shift is attributed to voters’ elections in 2022, which resulted in the most diverse Legislature ever. Fifty women and 63 people of color now make up the 120-member body. Among these women, 36 are women of color, a significant increase from previous years.
Democrats will maintain their supermajority, but seven races could potentially unseat incumbents, giving Republicans two more seats. The Latino Caucus is expected to gain at least one member, while the Women’s Caucus and California Legislative LGBTQ+ Caucus may achieve parity in representation.
The incoming class will convene on December 2 for the “organizing session” and start a special session to prepare for the Trump administration. Advocates believe that increased representation can still have an impact despite partisan lockstep voting.
Source: https://smdp.com/2024/11/09/the-california-legislature-set-a-record-for-women-in-office-and-could-see-historic-gender-parity