SACRAMENTO, CA – Today, the California Legislative Jewish Caucus announced the election of Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D - Encino) and Senator Scott Wiener (D - San Francisco) as Co-Chairs of the Caucus for the 2025-2026 Legislative Session and the election of Assemblymember Dawn Addis (D - Morro Bay) and Senator Josh Becker (D - Menlo Park) as Vice Chairs.
Assemblymember Gabriel has served as a Chair of the Jewish Caucus since 2020, and Senator Wiener has served as a Chair of the Jewish Caucus since 2023. Together they have led the Caucus’s efforts to address antisemitism, protect Jewish students, secure funding for Holocaust survivors and Holocaust education, help rebuild Jewish institutions destroyed by wildfires, and expand the California State Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which provides critical security funding to nonprofits at risk of hate-motivated violence.
Assemblymember Addis was elected to the legislature in 2022 after working twenty years as an educator in the San Luis Coastal Unified School District. Her K-12 experience has provided critical insight and helped guide the Caucus’s work. Senator Becker, a Vice Chair of the Jewish Caucus since 2022, has also been an invaluable member of the leadership team and helped pass major Jewish Caucus priorities through the State Senate during the 2023-2024 Session.
The leadership team for the 2025-2026 Legislative Session is the most geographically diverse in Caucus’s history, with representation spanning Southern California, the Central Coast, and the San Francisco Bay Area.
“It is an honor to be selected again to lead the Jewish Caucus during this challenging time for our community,” said Senator Scott Wiener. “Our Caucus’s record is a testament to the difference a community can make when it comes together to advocate for justice and against hate. Over the past few years, the Jewish Caucus has helped secure robust and inclusive education, including about the Holocaust, for all students; created bipartisan consensus on fighting hatred and intolerance against all communities on college campuses; spearheaded new grant programs to keep community groups safe; and championed environmental, immigrant, criminal, and racial justice. I look forward to the work ahead and to partnering with my colleagues in the Jewish Caucus as we advance our vision of a California that serves everyone.”
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to again serve the Jewish Caucus and the Jewish Community,” said Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel. “The Jewish Caucus has established itself as a strong force in state government and we are proud to unapologetically stand up for our community and our values — particularly in this difficult moment. We look forward to continuing to work closely with our partners to advance our community’s priorities and to help uplift vulnerable Californians of all faiths and backgrounds.”
“I am honored and thankful to serve as Vice Chair of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus, alongside my committed and passionate colleagues,” said Assemblymember Dawn Addis. “I look forward to leading together with purpose, ensuring that every Californian feels safe, respected, and valued. I am excited to prioritize meaningful legislation, and secure vital resources to uphold our commitment to justice, equity and inclusivity.”
“I am honored to be reelected by my colleagues to serve as Vice Chair for the upcoming Legislative Session,” said Senator Josh Becker. “This past year we have made significant progress in implementing recommendations in the Governor’s Golden State Strategy to Counter Antisemitism, combating hate directed at vulnerable communities, and fighting for record levels of funding for nonprofit security grants to protect against violent hate crimes. I look forward to working with our Caucus members to protect the progress we have made and continue promoting legislation that makes the California Dream a reality for all.”
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