John Perez is a freshman Assemblyman who emerged as the victor after several other candidates backed out of the race. He was elected by the Democratic caucus unanimously. Despite his newness to the Assembly, Perez says he’s ready for the job:

 

 “I think it’s a big task. It’s a task that is not just laid on one person. It’s laid on the Assembly collectively and I think that with the support of my colleagues I’m absolutely up to it.”

 

Perez says the fact that he’s the first openly gay man to hold the job sends the message that in California, everybody has a place at the table.  The full Assembly is expected to take an official floor vote to elect Perez in January. Current Speaker Karen Bass will term out next year. There will likely be a transition period for a few months while Perez eases into the job.