Planned Parenthood Congratulates Assemblymember Bonta on His Nomination to be California’s Next Attorney General

Date:  March 24, 2021

Contact: Elizabeth Wells, (916) 233-3760, [email protected]

Health care access, gender equity, immigrants’ rights, and racial justice should remain a priority of the office

SACRAMENTO – Today, Governor Newsom announced the nomination of Assemblymember Rob Bonta (D-Oakland) to be California’s next Attorney General. The announcement comes shortly after former California Attorney General Xavier Becerra was sworn in as U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary. 

Statement from Jodi Hicks, president and CEO, Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California (PPAC) 

“We congratulate Assemblymember Rob Bonta on his appointment as California’s next Attorney General. At a time when the AAPI community is confronting an increase of anti-Asian racism and hate crimes, the historic appointment of the state’s first Filipino American Attorney General sends a message that California will continue to stand up against systemic racism and center the needs of communities impacted by white supremacy. Throughout his career in public service, including as Assistant Majority Leader, Assemblymember Bonta has been a steadfast champion for health care access, immigrants’ rights, and racial justice, and we look forward to working with him in his new role.

“We are grateful for Secretary Xavier Becerra’s leadership as California Attorney General, having been a staunch champion for reproductive freedom and gender equality, and are excited to see Assemblymember Bonta continue that legacy of the office. Now more than ever, as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and address health care inequities, we need a health care champion in the Attorney General’s office to stand up for Californians and their right to have full control over their health, bodies, and future.”

The announcement of Assemblymember Bonta as the next California Attorney General appointment comes at a critical time in California’s history. After four years of attacks upon sexual and reproductive health care, patients and providers in California alike continue to grapple with the devastating impacts felt from the previous federal administration. The future of the Affordable Care Act, along with a litany of other cases important to sexual and reproductive health care, still hangs in the balance at the U.S. Supreme Court. All the while California continues to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, and Black, Latino, AAPI, and Indigenous communities and other communities of color are still forced to navigate a system of racist and discriminatory policies embedded in our national and state institutions.

Assemblymember Bonta was the first Filipino American state legislator in history when elected, and will continue that legacy as California’s first Filipino American Attorney General once confirmed. The nomination is subject to confirmation by the California State Assembly and Senate within 90 days.