Patch.com
By Kat Schuster
SAN FRANCISCO, CA — Gov. Gavin Newsom nominated Alameda Assemblyman Rob Bonta to become California attorney general to fill the seat vacated by Xavier Becerra, Newsom announced at a news conference in San Francisco Wednesday.
If confirmed by the state Senate, Bonta would become the state's first Filipino American to hold the post. The seat is highly coveted and is only a notch below the governor in terms of power. Vice President Kamala Harris and former Gov. Jerry Brown previously served in the position.
The assemblyman has had a career in public service and is known for his stewardship of efforts to fight for social justice, officials said Wednesday.
State Sen. Josh Becker (D-Peninsula) praised Newsom for his nomination on Wednesday.
"In addition to his impressive cred as an attorney, a lawmaker and a civil rights activist, Assemblymember Bonta will become California's first Filipino American AG," he wrote in a statement. "Thank you, Governor Newsom for meeting this crucial moment in our state and in our nation with your nomination of Rob Bonta today."