The California State Assembly Republican Caucus is the formal organization of Republican Members in the California State Assembly, who hold 18 of its 80 seats after the 2022 general election.[1] It is one of the Assembly's two officially recognized political party caucuses[2] and is led by Assembly Member James Gallagher, the Assembly Republican Leader (Minority Leader of the State Assembly).
Assembly Republican Leader – James GallagherThe Republican Leader serves multiple roles. Aside from serving as the elected representative of his or her district, the Leader serves as the primary spokesperson of the Assembly Republican membership. The Leader oversees caucus operations and develops policies to implement Republican legislative priorities, and helps elect more Republicans to office.
Assembly Republican Leaders since 1959
Republican Floor Leader - James Gallagher
Assistant Republican Floor Leader – Heath Flora, Phillip Chen and Chad MayesThe Assistant Republican Floor Leader is the lead Republican helping to ensure the smooth operation of the business of the Legislature during Assembly session, and that common-sense measures receive full and fair consideration during legislative debate. Interacting directly with the Majority Floor Leader concerning floor session proceedings, the Assistant Republican Floor Leader plays a key role in helping guide debate on the Assembly Floor for the Republican Caucus.
Assembly Republican Caucus Chair – Tom LackeyThe Republican Caucus Chair assists the Leader in advancing the Republican policy agenda and achieving the Caucus' political goals. Additionally, the Caucus Chair regularly communicates with Republican leaders throughout California on key legislative issues and party matters.
Deputy Republican Floor Leader – Rocky Chavez and Frank BigelowThe Deputy Republican Floor Leader works closely with the Assistant Republican Floor Leader helping to ensure the smooth operation of the business of the Legislature during Assembly session, and that common-sense measures receive full and fair consideration during legislative debate.
Assembly Rules Committee Vice Chair – Jordan CunninghamThe Vice Chair of the Assembly Rules Committee plays an important role in ensuring that legislation receives a full and fair hearing in the Assembly. The Assembly Rules Committee acts as the executive committee of the lower house. One of its most important functions is to refer all bills and resolutions to the appropriate Standing Committee. It also grants rule waivers or suspensions and handles all personnel matters.
Assembly Budget Committee Vice Chair – Jay ObernolteThe Vice Chair of the Assembly Budget Committee plays an integral role in the drafting of the State Budget each year, serving as chief budget advocate and spokesperson for Assembly Republicans, working to advance fiscally-conservative principles throughout the budget process.
Assembly Appropriations Committee Vice Chair – Frank BigelowThe vice chair of the Assembly Appropriations Committee is on the front lines of the debate over government spending at the State Capitol. The committee analyzes every fiscal bill making its way through the legislature for its impact on the state budget and state spending overall, working to restrain new government spending and overregulation.
Chief Republican Whip – Heath FloraThe Chief Republican Whip helps devise legislative floor strategy and provide direction and guidance to the Republican Whips as they work to advance the Republican caucus position during Assembly floor sessions.
Republican Whips – James Gallagher and Vince FongRepublican Whips are charged with mobilizing members vote on important legislation, acting as a liaison between members and leadership, and helping to coordinate strategy within the caucus.