Ian Calderon | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Calderon in 2025 | |
| Majority Leader of the California Assembly | |
| In office March 10, 2016 – November 30, 2020 | |
| Preceded by | Chris Holden |
| Succeeded by | Eloise Reyes |
| Member of theCalifornia State Assembly from the57th district | |
| In office December 3, 2012 – November 30, 2020 | |
| Preceded by | Roger Hernández (redistricted) |
| Succeeded by | Lisa Calderon |
| Personal details | |
| Born | (1985-10-19)October 19, 1985 (age 40) Whittier, California, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 2 |
| Relatives | Charles Calderon (father) Lisa Calderon (stepmother) |
| Education | California State University, Long Beach (BA) |
Ian Charles Calderon (born October 19, 1985) is an American politician and former legislator who served in theCalifornia State Assembly from 2012 to 2020. He is aDemocrat who represented the57th Assembly District, which encompasses theGateway Cities and portions of theSan Gabriel Valley from 2012 to 2020. He served as the Assembly Majority Leader from 2016 to 2020.[1] In November 2019, he announced that he would not be running for reelection in 2020, citing his desire to spend more time with his growing family.[2] He is currently a candidate forgovernor of California for the2026 election.[3]
Ian Calderon was born on October 19, 1985. He is the son of former Assemblymember and State SenatorCharles Calderon. His stepmother,Lisa Calderon, was also a member of theCalifornia State Assembly.[4]
Calderon grew up in a family deeply involved in California politics, which helped form his interest in public service.[5][6]
Calderon earned a Bachelor of Arts fromCalifornia State University, Long Beach.[7]
Before holding elective office, he worked as a field representative for state legislators, helping constituents navigate state and local government services.[5][6]
In 2012, Calderon was first elected to theCalifornia State Assembly representing the57th District inLos Angeles County, making him the firstmillennial elected to theCalifornia Legislature.[8] He was re-elected in subsequent cycles (2014, 2016, 2018).[6]
In March 2016, Calderon was chosen by his peers to become Majority Leader of the Assembly, becoming the youngest person in state history at that time to hold that position.[6] He remained Majority Leader until the end of his Assembly tenure in 2020.[9]
While in leadership, Calderon was associated with a number of legislative initiatives. Calderon played a role in advancing California's film and entertainment tax credit regime, including reforms to enhance diversity and transparency in film production.[6]
He introduced AB 2658 in 2018, which created the California Blockchain Working Group to deliberate on blockchain, cryptocurrency, and related technology policy.[6][9][10]
Calderon also supported increases in the state minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2022, and efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.[6]
In addition, he was active in legislative caucuses and committees. During his Assembly tenure, he served as Chair of the Select Committee on Youth and California's Future, Co-Chair of the Legislative Technology & Innovation Caucus, and Co-Chair of the Legislative Millennial Caucus.[6]
In November 2019, Calderon announced he would not seek re-election in 2020 in order to focus more on spending time with his family.[9][6] He served out his term through late 2020.[9]
His stepmother,Lisa Calderon, ran for and won his former Assembly seat in November 2020.[11][9]
After leaving office, Calderon founded a consulting and lobbying firm called Majority Advisors.[12] The firm's name is a reference to is his tenure as Majority Leader.[10][9]
In September 2025, Calderon officially announced his candidacy for the2026 California gubernatorial election.[13] His campaign highlights issues such as housing affordability, high cost of living, childcare, and integrating technological innovation into state policy (including support for holding bitcoin on the state’s balance sheet).[4][9][10]
| Primary election | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
| Republican | Rita Topalian | 15,859 | 52.2 | |
| Democratic | Ian Calderon (incumbent) | 14,544 | 47.8 | |
| Total votes | 30,403 | 100.0 | ||
| General election | ||||
| Democratic | Ian Calderon (incumbent) | 32,284 | 51.5 | |
| Republican | Rita Topalian | 30,397 | 48.5 | |
| Total votes | 62,681 | 100.0 | ||
| Primary election | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
| Democratic | Ian Calderon (incumbent) | 50,996 | 65.7 | |
| Republican | Rita Topalian | 26,639 | 34.3 | |
| Total votes | 77,635 | 100.0 | ||
| General election | ||||
| Democratic | Ian Calderon (incumbent) | 93,339 | 62.7 | |
| Republican | Rita Topalian | 55,577 | 37.3 | |
| Total votes | 148,916 | 100.0 | ||
| Democratichold | ||||
| Primary election | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
| Democratic | Ian Calderon (incumbent) | 27,136 | 46.6 | |
| Republican | Jessica Martinez | 13,824 | 23.7 | |
| Republican | Oscar J. Llamas | 9,025 | 15.5 | |
| Democratic | Justin Joshua Valero | 6,829 | 11.7 | |
| Democratic | Blake Sullivan Carter | 1,393 | 2.4 | |
| Total votes | 57,331 | 100.0 | ||
| General election | ||||
| Democratic | Ian Calderon (incumbent) | 84,159 | 64.9 | |
| Republican | Jessica Martinez | 45,492 | 35.1 | |
| Total votes | 129,651 | 100.0 | ||
| Democratichold | ||||
Calderon was named Legislator of the Year by TechNet, received the Internet Champion Award from the Internet Association, and was named TechAmerica’s California Tech Champion in 2014, among other industry honors.[6]
Calderon has also received various arts-related accolades. For example, the California Association of Museums awarded him its 2015 President’s Award, and he was named a Legislative Arts Champion by Californians for the Arts.[6]
Calderon married Elise Calderon in 2015. They have four children. He resides inOrange County, California.[9]
| California Assembly | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | Majority Leader of theCalifornia Assembly 2016–2020 | Succeeded by |