Asian American leaders praise Gov. Gavin Newsom’s attorney general pick.
SACRAMENTO — Asian American leaders praised Gov. Gavin Newsom’s nomination of Assembly Member Rob Bonta to be California’s next attorney general Wednesday, saying he could help protect the community amid a national wave of hate crimes.
Bonta, DAlameda, would be the first Filipino American to serve as the state’s attorney general if confirmed by the Legislature.
Asian American advocates lobbied for Bonta’s nomination after former Attorney General Xavier Becerra was picked for President Biden’s Cabinet, saying Newsom should appoint someone who would confront the surge in violence and harassment targeting Asian Americans in the Bay Area and elsewhere.
Assembly Member Evan Low, a Campbell Democrat who chairs the California Asian & Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus, said Bonta’s appointment is a boost to the community during a troubling time.
“Hate crimes targeting the API community have skyrocketed over the last year, and we need a champion who will make the pursuit of justice for these victims a top priority,” Low said. “I have full faith AG Bonta is the right person to meet this moment.”
Bonta said one of his top priorities would be to “protect those facing the forces of hate” and hold accountable perpetrators of hate crimes. He evoked California's history of anti-Asian racism, including businesses that banned Filipino customers in the 1920s.
“So many of us have felt the sting of hate and discrimination,” he said. “But that hate has not defined who we are or what we can achieve. In California, we have created the most diverse state in the nation.”
Asian American leaders say the rise in crimes targeting their community has been fueled by racist references by former President Donald Trump and others to COVID19 as the “China virus.” Stop AAPI Hate, an advocacy group, has documented nearly 3,800 hate incidents against Asian Americans since the start of the pandemic, including beatings and killings.
Assembly Member David Chiu, DSan Francisco, said it’s “a powerful signal that our state’s top law enforcement official” comes from the AAPI community.
Newsom had also been lobbied over the attorney general’s post by advocacy groups representing other marginalized communities, including African Americans, Latinos and LGBTQ people. But none of them voiced anger over Bonta’s nomination.
The California Legislative Black Caucus had endorsed Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton for the job. Democratic state Sen. Steven Bradford of Gardena (Los Angeles County), who chairs the caucus, said that although he was “truly disappointed” Becton was not selected, he’s confident Bonta will be an advocate for racial equity and justice.
“He’s worked hard for criminal justice reform, and I know he’ll bring that same mindset and approach as attorney general,” Bradford said.
Rick Chavez Zbur, director of Equality California, an LGBTQ advocacy group, had also been on Newsom’s short list. Zbur, who was backed by many Latino activists, said Bonta will be a civil rights champion.
“Throughout his career, Assembly Member Bonta has demonstrated his commitment to protecting civil rights, safeguarding our California values and advancing justice for all,” Zbur said in a statement.