David Tangipa
David Tangipa | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Official portrait, 2025 | |
| Member of the California State Assembly from the 8th district | |
| Assumed office December 2, 2024 | |
| Preceded by | Jim Patterson |
| Personal details | |
| Born | David Jariustokaeutulelei Tangipa December 9, 1995 Sacramento, California, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Residence(s) | Fresno, California, U.S. |
| Education | California State University, Fresno (BS, MBA) |
| College football career | |
| Position | Tight end |
| Class | 20 |
| Major | Political science/Criminology |
| Career highlights and awards | |
David Jariustokaeutulelei Tangipa[1] (born December 9, 1995) is an American businessman, former college football player, and politician who is a member of the California State Assembly from the 8th district. Tangipa is believed to be the first Tongan American to be elected to public office in the United States.
Early life and education
[edit]Tangipa was born and raised in Sacramento, California to a veteran father and Tongan mother. He attended California State University, Fresno, where he played tight end for the Bulldogs and earned a Bachelor of Science in political science and criminology as well as a Master of Business Administration.[2]
Career
[edit]Football
[edit]Tangipa played on the Fresno State Bulldogs football team as a tight end.
Politics
[edit]Tangipa worked as a field representative for Fresno County Supervisor Nathan Magsig.
Following incumbent Jim Patterson's retirement, Tangipa ran for the California State Assembly in the 8th district in 2024. Patterson endorsed his candidacy. He advanced to the general election with fellow Republican former U.S. Representative George Radanovich, ultimately defeating him.[3]
California State Assembly
[edit]In 2025, the California State Assembly and State Senate passed Tangipa’s legislation, Assembly Bill 377, which was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom. The bill amends the California High-Speed Rail Act to require the High-Speed Rail Authority to submit a detailed funding plan for the Merced-to-Bakersfield segment as part of its 2026 business plan. The plan must include an itemized list of anticipated funding sources, a timeline for receipt, risk assessments, and mitigation strategies.[4]
Tangipa described the bill as “an important step to make sure Fresno and the Central Valley are not left with an unfinished monument of wasted taxpayer dollars.”[5] Despite the Democratic supermajority, the bill passed with bipartisan support, signaling broader legislative concern over the project's escalating costs and missed deadlines.[6]
References
[edit]- ^ "Vote David Jariustokaeutulelei Tangipa for Assembly District 8". X.
- ^ Torres, Monty (October 7, 2024). "Meet The Candidate: David Tangipa, 8th Assembly District". KMPH-TV. Retrieved November 10, 2024.
- ^ Montalvo, Melissa (October 10, 2024). "Republicans Radanovich, Tangipa face off in California Assembly District 8 race". The Fresno Bee. Retrieved November 17, 2024.
- ^ California AB377 (2024) – Bill Text. LegiScan. Retrieved August 4, 2025.
- ^ Tangipa’s bill to require High-Speed Rail funding plan signed by Newsom. SJV Sun. July 10, 2025.
- ^ New law demands California High-Speed Rail show the money. KSEE 24 News. July 10, 2025.
- 1995 births
- Republican Party members of the California State Assembly
- Living people
- People from Sacramento, California
- People from Fresno, California
- American people of Tongan descent
- Fresno State Bulldogs football players
- American athlete-politicians
- Asian American and Pacific Islander state legislators in California
- 21st-century members of the California State Legislature