Skip to content
CapRadio

CapRadio

signal status listen live donate
listen live donate signal status
listen live donate signal status
  • News
    • topics
    • State Government
    • Environment
    • Health Care
    • Race and Equity
    • Business
    • Arts and Lifestyle
    • Food and Sustainability
    • PolitiFact California
  • Music
    • genres
    • Classical
    • Jazz
    • Eclectic
    • Daily Playlist
  • Programs + Podcasts
    • news
    • Morning Edition
    • All Things Considered
    • Marketplace
    • Insight With Vicki Gonzalez
    • music
    • Acid Jazz
    • At the Opera
    • Classical Music
    • Connections
    • Excellence in Jazz
    • Hey, Listen!
    • K-ZAP on CapRadio
    • Mick Martin's Blues Party
    • Programs A-Z
    • Podcast Directory
  • Schedules
    • News
    • Music
    • ClassicalStream
    • JazzStream
    • Weekly Schedule
    • Daily Playlist
  • Community
    • Events Calendar
    • CapRadio Garden
    • CapRadio Reads
    • Ticket Giveaways
  • Support
    • Evergreen Gift
    • One-Time Gift
    • Corporate Support
    • Vehicle Donation
    • Stock Gift
    • Legacy Gift
    • Endowment Gift
    • Benefits
    • Member FAQ
    • e‑Newsletter
    • Drawing Winners
    • Thank You Gifts
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Close Menu
 We Get Support From:
Become a Supporter 
 We Get Support From:
Become a Supporter 
  • State Government
  •  

Another Sudden Retirement Leaves 3 Assembly Seats Vacant In California

  •  Ben Bradford 
Wednesday, December 27, 2017 | Sacramento, CA
Office of Assemblymember Sebastian Ridley-Thomas / Courtesy

Asm. Ridley-Thomas addressing the crowd

Office of Assemblymember Sebastian Ridley-Thomas / Courtesy

A third California lawmaker has resigned in the past month from the state Legislature. Democratic Assemblyman Sebastian Ridley-Thomas announced Wednesday he will step down this week for health reasons.

Ridley-Thomas, 30, says he’s had five surgeries this year—the most recent last week—for an unspecified health issue. In a statement, the third-term lawmaker says he can’t keep up with the travel, long hours and stress of the job while recovering.

“When I resume public life, I intend to remain active in civic affairs, where my passion lies,” Ridley-Thomas said.

His resignation follows that of two other Democratic Assemblymen, Matt Dababneh and Raul Bocanegra, who stepped down after allegations of sexual misconduct.

That leaves Democrats two votes shy of the two-thirds majority it enjoyed at the start of this session, at least until the state holds special elections for the seats. Gov. Jerry Brown has called a special election for Bocanegra’s seat in June.

Earlier in the year, Assemblyman Jimmy Gomez, also a Southern California Democrat, vacated his seat, after his election to Congress. His replacement, Wendy Carrillo, was sworn-in on Dec. 16, after winning a special election for that district.


Follow us for more stories like this

CapRadio provides a trusted source of news because of you.  As a nonprofit organization, donations from people like you sustain the journalism that allows us to discover stories that are important to our audience. If you believe in what we do and support our mission, please donate today.

Donate Today  

Ben Bradford

Former State Government Reporter

As the State Government Reporter, Ben covered California politics, policy and the interaction between the two. He previously reported on local and state politics, business, energy, and environment for WFAE in Charlotte, North Carolina.  Read Full Bio 

 @JBenBradford Email Ben Bradford

Coronavirus Newsletter

Get answers to your questions, the latest updates and easy access to the resources you need, delivered to your inbox.

 

Want to know what to expect? Here's a recent newsletter.

Thanks for subscribing!

We'll send you weekly emails so you can stay informed about the coronavirus in California.

Browse all newsletters

More State Government Stories

California 2022 primary voter FAQ

May 19, 2022

A Sacramento voter guide for the 2022 primary elections

May 19, 2022

Illustration by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters; iStock

The Great Culling: Which California bills did legislators kill?

May 20, 2022

Most Viewed

'SNL' sends off longtime cast members

1 killed, 8 wounded in shooting at Southern California party

Top California Democrats in a stalemate over gas rebates

Dear Life Kit: Is a recital really more important than my wedding?

U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla will appear on California’s June primary ballot twice. Here’s why.

We Get Support From:
Become a Supporter

Most Viewed

'SNL' sends off longtime cast members

1 killed, 8 wounded in shooting at Southern California party

Top California Democrats in a stalemate over gas rebates

Dear Life Kit: Is a recital really more important than my wedding?

U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla will appear on California’s June primary ballot twice. Here’s why.

Back to Top

  • CapRadio

    7055 Folsom Boulevard
    Sacramento, CA 95826-2625

    • (916) 278-8900
    • Toll-free (877) 480-5900
    • Email Us
    • Submit a News Tip
  • Contact Us

  • About Us

    • Contact Us / Feedback
    • Coverage
    • Directions
    • Careers & Internships
    • Mission / Vision / Core Values
    • Press
    • Staff Directory
    • Board of Directors
  • Listening Options

    • Mobile App
    • On Air Schedules
    • Smart Speakers
    • Playlist
    • Podcasts
    • RSS
  • Connect With Us

    •  Facebook
    •  Twitter
    •  Instagram
    •  YouTube
  • Donate

  • Listen

  • Newsletters

CapRadio stations are licensed to California State University, Sacramento. © 2022, Capital Public Radio. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Website Feedback FCC Public Files: KXJZ KKTO KUOP KQNC KXPR KXSR KXJS. For assistance accessing our public files, please call 916-278-8900 or email us.