Leticia Castillo
Leticia Castillo | |
|---|---|
| Member of the California State Assembly from the 58th district | |
| Assumed office December 2, 2024 | |
| Preceded by | Sabrina Cervantes |
| Personal details | |
| Born | April 27, 1971 Riverside, California |
| Political party | Republican |
| Residence | Home Gardens, California |
| Education | Riverside City College (AA) University of Phoenix (BS) National University (MA) |
| Website | Campaign Website Legislative website |
Leticia Castillo (born April 27, 1971) is an American psychotherapist and politician serving as a member of the California State Assembly. She is a Republican representing the 58th district, encompassing parts of Riverside County and San Bernardino County. The district includes the cities of Jurupa Valley, Corona, Eastvale, Riverside, and Grand Terrace. Prior to her election, she was a psychotherapist in private practice.[1][2]
Early life and education
[edit]Born in Riverside, California, Castillo is a first-generation Mexican American.[3] She graduated from Lee Pollard High School while simultaneously attending the Corona College of Cosmetology in 1989. She holds a B.S. degree in human services from the University of Phoenix, a M.A. in counseling psychology from National University, and an associate degree for social and behavioral studies at Riverside City College.[2][4]
California State Assembly
[edit]Castillo first ran for the California State Assembly in 2022, placing third in the primary and not advancing to the general election against incumbent Democrat Sabrina Cervantes.
In 2024, Castillo ran again in the open race to replace Cervantes, who ran for California State Senate. During the open primary, Castillo ran against Democratic Riverside City Councilmembers Clarissa Cervantes, the sister of Sabrina, and Ronaldo Fierro. Cervantes had out-raised Castillo by $430,928 as of October 19, 2024.
After advancing to the general election, Castillo defeated Cervantes by 596 votes.[5] Her victory was seen as a major upset in the blue-leaning district, attributed to the Latino swing towards Donald Trump in the concurrent presidential election as well as Cervantes' two arrests for driving under the influence.[6] Cervantes has announced her intention to run again in 2026.[7]
Tenure
[edit]In February 2025, Castillo introduced numerous anti-trans bills and promoted the parental rights movement. One bill would state that a parent refusing to use their child's preferred pronouns, chosen name, or allowing their child to access gender-affirming health care is not an act of child abuse and would bar judges from considering whether a parent is gender-affirming in child custody cases. Another bill would require students to be excused with a parent’s permission from public school curricula, assemblies, or lessons discussing "transgender concepts” and instead provide an alternative educational activity.[8] She also introduced a bill to promote adoption as an alternative to abortion with the anti-abortion California Family Council's support.[9]
In April, she supported a failed voter ID law which would have required proof of citizenship in order to register to vote as well as requiring a government-issued ID at polling places and the last four digits of a government ID number on an absentee ballot.[10]
Electoral history
[edit]2024
[edit]| Primary election | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
| Republican | Leticia Castillo | 29,500 | 48.6 | |
| Democratic | Clarissa Cervantes | 15,713 | 25.9 | |
| Democratic | Ronald Fierro | 15,514 | 25.5 | |
| Total votes | 60,727 | 100.0 | ||
| General election | ||||
| Republican | Leticia Castillo | 78,292 | 50.2 | |
| Democratic | Clarissa Cervantes | 77,696 | 49.8 | |
| Total votes | 155,988 | 100.0 | ||
| Republican gain from Democratic | ||||
2022
[edit]| Primary election | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
| Democratic | Sabrina Cervantes (incumbent) | 28,568 | 54.1 | |
| Republican | Bernard William Murphy | 13,449 | 25.5 | |
| Republican | Leticia Castillo | 10,756 | 20.4 | |
| Total votes | 52,773 | 100% | ||
References
[edit]- ^ "District 58 Details | California State Assembly". www.assembly.ca.gov. Retrieved December 16, 2024.
- ^ a b Candidate, Online. "Leticia Castillo For Assembly | Home". leticiacastilloforassembly.com. Retrieved December 16, 2024.
- ^ Horseman, Jeff (February 16, 2025). "They're Latina lawmakers. Why can't they join the California Latino Legislative Caucus?". Press Enterprise. Retrieved June 25, 2025.
- ^ "Vote Smart | Facts For All". Vote Smart. Retrieved December 17, 2024.
- ^ Horseman, Jeff (November 27, 2024). "Leticia Castillo declares victory in race for Inland Empire Assembly seat". The Press-Enterprise. Retrieved January 5, 2025.
- ^ Horseman, Jeff (December 22, 2024). "Why did Inland Empire Republicans do so well in Nov. 5 election?". Press-Telegram. Retrieved January 5, 2025.
- ^ https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/clarissa-cervantes-plans-to-run-for-inland-empire-assembly-seat-in-2026/ar-AA1yeyck?ocid=BingNewsSerp
- ^ Hatch, Jenavieve (February 14, 2025). "California Republicans, parents' rights activists announce three new anti-trans bills". Sacramento Bee. Retrieved June 25, 2025.
- ^ "New CA Legislator Introduces Bill Promoting Adoption To Teens with Unplanned Pregnancies". California Family Council. February 3, 2025. Retrieved June 25, 2025.
- ^ Fitzgerald, Laura (April 10, 2025). "California voter ID bill voted down at the state Capitol". CapRadio. Retrieved June 25, 2025.
- ^ "Presidential Primary Election - Statement of Vote, March 5, 2024 - State Assembly" (PDF).
- ^ "General Election - Statement of Vote, November 5, 2024 - State Assemblymember By District" (PDF). California Secretary of State.
- ^ "Primary Election - Statement of the Vote, June 7, 2022" (PDF). California Secretary of State. Retrieved July 16, 2022.
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