Robert Rivas | |
|---|---|
 | |
| 71stSpeaker of the California State Assembly | |
| Assumed office June 30, 2023 | |
| Preceded by | Anthony Rendon |
| Member of theCalifornia State Assembly | |
| Assumed office December 3, 2018 | |
| Preceded by | Anna Caballero |
| Constituency | 30th district (2018–2022) 29th district (2022–present) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | (1980-01-02)January 2, 1980 (age 45) |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Education | California State University, Sacramento (BA) San Jose State University (MPA) |
Robert A. Rivas (born January 2, 1980) is an American politician currently serving as the 71stspeaker of the California State Assembly. ADemocrat, he represents the29th Assembly District, which encompasses thePajaro andSalinas valleys of theCentral Coast. Prior to being elected to the State Assembly, he served on theSan Benito CountyBoard of Supervisors. Rivas was first elected to the State Assembly in November 2018, easily defeatingRepublican Neil G. Kitchens.[1]
On May 27, 2022, Rivas announced he had votes to become the nextSpeaker of the California State Assembly, challenging incumbent speakerAnthony Rendon.[2][3] Rendon challenged Rivas's claim, with the two meeting to talk about the challenge, later releasing a joint statement that Rendon would be the leader at least until the end of the legislative session.[4] On November 10, 2022, the Assembly voted to make Rivas the next Speaker in 2023, alongside re-electing current speaker Rendon for the 2022–23 year.[5] He assumed office on June 30, 2023.[6]
Rivas is a member of theCalifornia Legislative Progressive Caucus.[7] His brother, Ricardo Rivas, is on theCalifornia Coastal Commission. Ricardo Rivas was nominated to the commission in 2021 by President pro Tempore of the State Senate,Toni Atkins.[8] Rivas is a leader of theYIMBY movement in California.[9]
| Primary election | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
| Democratic | Robert Rivas | 30,379 | 45.5 | |
| Republican | Neil G. Kitchens | 20,099 | 30.1 | |
| Democratic | Peter Loera-Muñoz | 7,099 | 10.6 | |
| Democratic | Catrina Gomez | 5,003 | 7.5 | |
| Democratic | Bill Lipe | 4,217 | 6.3 | |
| Total votes | 66,797 | 100.0 | ||
| General election | ||||
| Democratic | Robert Rivas | 83,162 | 68.2 | |
| Republican | Neil G. Kitchens | 38,719 | 31.8 | |
| Total votes | 121,881 | 100.0 | ||
| Democratichold | ||||
| Primary election | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
| Democratic | Robert A. Rivas (incumbent) | 64,086 | 69.4 | |
| Republican | Gregory Swett | 28,308 | 30.6 | |
| Total votes | 92,394 | 100.0 | ||
| General election | ||||
| Democratic | Robert A. Rivas (incumbent) | 123,617 | 69.6 | |
| Republican | Gregory Swett | 53,928 | 30.4 | |
| Total votes | 177,545 | 100.0 | ||
| Democratichold | ||||
| Primary election | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
| Democratic | Robert A. Rivas (incumbent) | 38,163 | 64.3 | |
| Republican | Stephanie L. Castro | 21,148 | 35.7 | |
| Total votes | 59,311 | 100.0 | ||
| General election | ||||
| Democratic | Robert Rivas (incumbent) | 63,439 | 63.8 | |
| Republican | Stephanie L. Castro | 36,030 | 36.2 | |
| Total votes | 99,469 | 100.0 | ||
| Democratichold | ||||
| Primary election | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
| Democratic | Robert Rivas (incumbent) | 40,756 | 64.8 | |
| Republican | J.W. Paine | 22,145 | 35.2 | |
| Total votes | 62,901 | 100.0 | ||
| General election | ||||
| Democratic | Robert Rivas (incumbent) | 99,600 | 66.0 | |
| Republican | J.W. Paine | 51,291 | 34.0 | |
| Total votes | 150,891 | 100.0 | ||
| Democratichold | ||||
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | Speaker of the California State Assembly 2023–present | Incumbent |
