Top line:

Why now: The California State Senate will be at least 50% women for the first time in history and, depending on a few undecided races, the state Legislature could reach gender parity for the first time. With this election, that total number will be at least 55 and up to 60.

Why it’s important: Adding new members can help broaden the caucus’s issues, as they could bring expertise in health care, artificial intelligence or other policy issues impacting women. Democrats will firmly hold on to their large majority and, depending on uncalled races, Republicans could pick up two additional seats.

What’s next: If it reaches parity, the Women’s Caucus would join the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus, which reached parity in 2022 with a record 10% representation.

The California State Senate will be at least 50% women for the first time in history and, depending on a few undecided races, the state Legislature could reach gender parity for the first time.

“What is the point of a milestone like gender parity, if not a moment like this? said Susannah Delano, executive director of Close the Gap California, an advocacy group aimed at electing progressive women, referring to potential policies of the incoming Trump administration. “State legislatures have been and will continue to be the front line for many of those impacted in challenging harmful policies and protecting lives at risk. »

What are the numbers?

At least three additional senatorial districts will be represented by women during the next two-year session, increasing the number of women from 18 to 21 in the 40-member chamber. One member, the senator. Janet Nguyenshould leave if she wins her bid for Orange County supervisor.

There is currently 50 women among the state’s 120 legislators in both the State Senate and Assembly.

With this election, that total number will be at least 55 and up to 60. The State Assembly currently has 32 women, although eight of them will leave this year due to term limits or for pass to the Senate. The Assembly will see a net gain of at least four women and up to seven.

The increase in women’s representation comes amid a historic level of turnover in the Legislative Assembly, with at least 30 new members and as many as 36.

Why numbers matter

Member of the Assembly Cecilia Aguiar-Currynew chairwoman of the California Legislative Women’s Caucus, told CalMatters that adding new members can help broaden the caucus’s issues, as they could bring expertise in health care, artificial intelligence or other issues policies impacting women.

“The big question for me is: how are we going to use our power? said Aguiar-Curry, who represents Davis.

In 2022, voters elected the most diverse legislature in history. Currently, 50 members are women and 63 of the 120 members are people of color, according to the demographics of the California State Library.

According to election results, 36 of the 55 women who will serve in the Legislature next year are women of color, up from 32.

The latest news on race results

Votes are still being counted to get a full picture of the changes in this year’s class, including more on age, ethnicity and party.

The Democrats will firmly retain their qualified majority. But there are seven races in which challengers from opposing parties could unseat incumbents — and, depending on which races are not called, give Republicans two additional seats.

Of the 30 seats that will be occupied by the newcomers in the Legislative Assembly, 21 have been decided and eight are still too tight to call.

Additionally, one of the 30 seats reserved for a newcomer now belongs to former Republican Assemblyman Vince Fong, who remained on the ballot even though he was elected to Congress in a special election earlier this year. Voters chose Fong for the Assembly seat, so Gov. Gavin Newsom is expected to call a special election to replace him.

Other caucuses in the Legislature are awaiting results, but the Latino Caucus hopes to gain at least one member.

If it reaches parity, the Women’s Caucus would join the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus, which reached parity in 2022 with a record 10% representation.

How representation makes a difference

In this election, the Caucus loses three of its members, but will add three new ones to maintain its membership – and possibly gain two seats, depending on the results of the toss-up races.

And while representation may have its limits in a legislature that often votes along partisan lines, advocates say representation can still have an impact.

For the LGBTQ caucus, achieving parity has been helpful not only in passing laws, but also in blocking bills that could be harmful, said Tom Temprano, executive director of the LGBTQ+ rights group Equality California.

“We can’t pretend that the threat of legislatures adopting anti-LGBTQ policy positions doesn’t have an impact on California, because it has, and it has, and frankly – with Donald Trump in the White House – this will have more and more impact in the future.

The Legislature will meet Dec. 2 for its “organizational session,” during which new members will take the oath of office. They will immediately begin a special session called Thursday by Gov. Gavin Newsom to prepare for the Trump administration.