A Central Valley lawmaker will lead the California Assembly Republican Caucus.
The Assembly Republican Caucus announced Tuesday that it has unanimously elected Asm. Heath Flora (R–Ripon) as its next leader.
The big picture: Flora will replace Gallagher (R–East Nicolaus), who will step down from the role in Sep. 16 ahead of his final term in the Legislature expiring next year.
- Gallagher has served as the Assembly Republican Leader since 2022.
- Flora was first elected in 2016 and can serve in the Legislature until 2028.
What they’re saying: Gallagher said in a statement that it was his decision to step aside and that he is proud of what Republicans have accomplished throughout his tenure.
- “Coming out of redistricting, people predicted we’d drop to 15 seats,” Gallagher said. “Instead, we battled back, picked up seats, and won big fights on issues like fentanyl, human trafficking, and Prop 36. We’ve grown the Caucus, sharpened our message, and we’re not done yet.”
- Gallagher added that Flora has been his “right hand” and that Flora will “take this team to the next level.”
- “I’m honored by the unanimous vote of my colleagues,” Flora said. “Californians deserve a Republican Caucus that fights hard, communicates clearly, and never backs down. I’m ready to lead that fight.”
