With Mia Bonta's swearing-in to the State Assembly, women now make up the highest percentage of the California State Legislature in history.
Nearly one-third of the 120 members of the State Assembly and Senate are women, with 39 members of the California Legislative Women's Caucus.
Bonta, who was elected last week to represent California's 18th Assembly District, became the the first Black woman in the legislature representing an area north of Los Angeles in 25 years.
"And I know that we need more it is certainly an indicator of many miles to go in terms of ensuring we have adequate representation in the California State Legislature," she said
That legislator 25 years ago? Oakland Congresswoman Barbara Lee, who spoke Thursday at Bonta's swearing in.
Bonta is the wife of current California Attorney General Rob Bonta, and she ran for his former seat following his appointment to the post in April. She will leave behind her roles at an educational nonprofit and on the board for the Alameda Unified School District.
"Those are amazing organizations and entities that are serving the children and families incredibly well," Mia Bonta told KCBS Radio. "I hold very dear in terms of serving on the school board and soon will be transitioning out of my role as the nonprofit executive for Oakland Promise, so there is actually some bittersweetness in that."
Bonta said she is looking forward to adding her vote to this legislative session and introducing her own legislation next year. She said she will focus on COVID-19 relief and criminal justice reform.
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