Colorado Politics

California’s Democratic speaker axes high-profile assignments for Republicans gaining momentum

California Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas booted five Republicans and one Democrat from high-profile committees in a move perceived as retaliatory for their growing influence.

Rivas targeted Republican Assembly members Alexandra Macedo, David Tangipa, Carl DeMaio, Bill Essayli, and Joe Patterson and Democratic Assemblywoman Maggy Krell.

Macedo, a freshman assemblywoman, was removed from four committees and subcommittees including the Assembly Budget Committee; the Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 4 on Climate Crisis, Resources, Energy, and Transportation; Assembly Governmental Organization Committee, where she was vice chairwoman; and the Assembly Natural Resources Committee, of which she was vice chairwoman as well.

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The Republicans reassigned were known to openly question Democratic staffers, with some even going viral online for their attempts to “out” Democratic mismanagement.

“I must be doing something right,” Macedo said in a statement on X. “Sounds like somebody is scared of the new girl on the block asking a few questions.”

However, Macedo was also appointed vice chairwoman of the Assembly Elections Committee, thus ousting Essayli from his position. Essayli was also removed from the committee altogether.

Along with Macedo, Rivas removed DeMaio from the Assembly Budget Committee, instead appointing him to the Assembly Governmental Organization Committee.

Tangipa, who has been outspoken for reform when it comes to dealing with wildfires, was removed from the Assembly Insurance Committee and the Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee.

“When they try to silence you, keep asking questions,” Tangipa said in a statement on X.

Rivas removed Patterson as vice chairman of the Assembly Health Committee. This comes as Patterson authored a measure banning the use of nondisclosure agreements by California lawmakers to conceal legislative negotiations or taxpayer spending decisions.

Meanwhile, Krell was removed from the Assembly Higher Education Committee, a move which Tangipa characterizes as punishment.

“I don’t care what they do to me,” Tangipa posted on X, “but Democrat Asm. is being punished by her own party for working with Republicans on a bill to strengthen laws against child sex trafficking for 16- and 17-year-olds.”

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However, Rivas spokesman Nick Miller said the restructuring was routine.

“The speaker routinely addresses committee needs throughout the year, and his goal is always to ensure members are in optimal roles to collaborate effectively and deliver for Californians,” Miller said.

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