Trump picks outspoken CA lawmaker to be a new U.S. attorney in Los Angeles
Assemblymember Bill Essayli, a Republican from Southern California known for his combative stances on Democratic priorities, is leaving the state Capitol after being appointed the top federal prosecutor in Los Angeles.
The Corona lawmaker vacated his seat Tuesday to lead the Justice Department’s efforts in California’s Central District. He will leave behind a legacy as a fiery dissenter in the Democrat-run Capitol, who passed few laws in his two years in office, but brought ample attention to the right’s culture war issues.
“I am honored that President Trump and Attorney General Bondi have placed their trust in me to serve as United States Attorney for the Central District of California,” he said in a statement posted to X Tuesday night. “I intend to implement the President’s mission to restore trust in our justice system and pursue those who dare to cause harm to the United States and the People of our nation.”
The federal Central District of California stretches from San Luis Obispo County to the Inland Empire and encompasses the greater Los Angeles region. Essayli’s appointment will require Senate confirmation.
Since his inauguration, President Donald Trump has moved quickly to replace Biden-era appointees with attorneys whose views align with his priorities, including cracking down on illegal immigration.
Essayli, who served as a federal prosecutor and a Riverside County deputy district attorney before running for a seat in the Assembly, has been a staunch Trump supporter and ally. He criticized his Democratic colleagues earlier this year when they approved $25 million for the state Department of Justice to file lawsuits against the Trump administration, calling the move “absurd.”
He is also known for his controversial — and unpopular in California — measures, including a bill that would have overturned a 2013 law that allows students to play on sports teams that reflect their gender identity. That bill failed in committee Tuesday.
“Through his time in the Assembly, Bill’s principled leadership and legal expertise have made him a great asset to his constituents and the Republican Caucus,” said Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher, R-Yuba City.
Essayli said he saw “major victories to restore common sense in Sacramento” during his short tenure.
“When I joined the Assembly, parental rights, illegal immigration, and voter ID were peripheral issues; we’ve made them centerpieces of our Party,” he said.
A special election will likely be held to replace Essayli in the 63rd District, which encompasses Temescal Valley and parts of Riverside.
This story was originally published April 2, 2025 at 7:19 AM.