FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Brian Schwartz (805) 404-8442 |
July 29, 2025
Speaker of the Assembly Robert Rivas Endorses Assemblymember Soria for State Senate District 14
MERCED, CA – Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria’s campaign for State Senate District 14 continues to gain momentum with the endorsement of Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, the highest-ranking member of the California State Assembly.
Speaker Rivas’ endorsement builds upon the broad coalition of support Soria has secured since launching her Senate campaign nearly four months ago, including incumbent Senator Anna Caballero, as well as a diverse group of county and city leaders and educators. With both Senate and Assembly leadership now backing her campaign, Soria’s path to the Senate is increasingly defined by a growing coalition of trusted voices in and out of Sacramento.
“Esmeralda Soria has been a thoughtful, hard-working colleague in the Assembly, and I’ve seen firsthand how committed she is to improving the lives of the people she represents,” said Speaker Robert Rivas. “I have full confidence that Esmeralda will bring that same energy and focus to the State Senate—working even harder to deliver results for the families of the Central Valley. I’m proud to endorse her campaign.”
Elected to the State Assembly in 2022, Esmeralda Soria quickly established herself as one of the most effective members of the legislature. In addition to serving as Chair of the Agriculture Committee, she has delivered historic funding and legislative wins for the Central Valley, including:
- Landmark CEQA streamlining paired with $500 million for the Homeless Housing, Assistance & Prevention (HHAP) program to accelerate affordable-housing production statewide.
- $300 million expansion of the California Dream for All down-payment program—opening the door to first-generation homeownership.
- $100 million to implement voter-approved Prop 36 and bolster Victims of Crime Act services, strengthening public safety and survivor support.
- A patient-safety package (AB 848 & AB 849) that toughens penalties for hospital sexual assault and mandates trained medical chaperones—now one step from the Governor’s desk.
“Speaker Rivas is a champion for working families, and I’m incredibly proud to have his support,” said Soria. “We’ve worked together in the Assembly to deliver for Californians, and I look forward to continuing that partnership in the Senate as we fight for the future of the Central Valley.”
Soria’s campaign continues to build support from across the political and geographic spectrum, with endorsements from local elected officials, educators, and now, top state legislators in both chambers. For more information and a full list of endorsements, visit www.soriaforcalifornia.com
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