Assemblymember Heath Flora. Photo courtesy

SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - The Assembly Republican Caucus has unanimously elected Assemblymember Heath Flora, a Republican from Ripon as its new leader.

Assemblymember James Gallagher, a Republican from East Nicolaus who has led the Caucus since 2022, announced the transition. Gallagher will continue to serve as Republican Leader through the end of the legislative session and will officially step down from the role effective Sept. 16.

“Stepping aside was my decision, and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished,” Gallagher said. “Coming out of redistricting, people predicted we’d drop to 15 seats. Instead, we battled back, picked up seats and won big fights on issues like fentanyl, human trafficking and Prop 36. We’ve grown the Caucus, sharpened our message and we’re not done yet.

“I’m excited the Caucus has chosen Heath Flora. He’s been my right hand, and I know he’ll take this team to the next level.”

Flora thanked his colleagues for their support, saying “I’m honored by the unanimous vote of my colleagues. Californians deserve a Republican Caucus that fights hard, communicates clearly, and never backs down. I’m ready to lead that fight.”

Under Gallagher’s leadership, Assembly Republicans expanded their ranks, flipped seats once considered unwinnable and forced overdue debates on crime, affordability and government accountability.

Both Gallagher and Flora stressed the importance of unity moving forward, with a clear mission: to bring real solutions to Sacramento and earn back the trust of Californians who’ve been ignored for too long.