Robert RivasIncumbent

Candidate for Assembly District 29

Robert Rivas is the Democrat who now holds the seat for California Assembly District 29. The district covers parts of the Central Coast, including Salinas and San Benito County. He has served in the Assembly since December 2018. He held District 30 from 2018 to 2022. He has held District 29 since December 2022. He has also served as Speaker of the California State Assembly since June 30, 2023. Before the Assembly, Rivas served on the San Benito County Board of Supervisors. He has described himself as the grandson of immigrant farmworkers. His past jobs include student support staff work at San Benito High School. He was also an adjunct professor at Gavilan College. He worked as a senior board clerk for Monterey County. He was also a senior field aide for then-Assemblywoman Anna Caballero. He holds a bachelor's degree in government. He got it from California State University, Sacramento, in 2003. He also holds a master's degree in public administration. He got it from San Jose State University in 2011. In the 2026 primary, Rivas won the top spot, with 53,157 votes (66.5%) in the certified count. He moves on to the general election in November 2026, against Republican Dennis Sanchez. Home: He lives in the San Benito County and Salinas area, on California's Central Coast. Occupation: He works as a state legislator and is the California Assembly Speaker. His past work includes student support staff duties and teaching at a community college. Prior office / incumbency: He has been the incumbent since December 2018. He held District 30 from 2018 to 2022, then District 29 since December 2022. He has also been Speaker of the California State Assembly since June 30, 2023. He previously served on the San Benito County Board of Supervisors.

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