New California Assembly Speaker Sworn In After Lengthy Leadership Battle

Robert Rivas assumed the role of California Assembly speaker, ending a protracted dispute over who would lead the legislative chamber.
Rivas aims to unite Democratic lawmakers and address policy issues like housing costs, college tuition, homelessness, and infrastructure.
Rivas is the first Assembly speaker in years to come from a rural area, representing central California's farm communities.
Rivas highlighted his family's history of farm labor advocacy during his swearing-in ceremony.
The contest for the Assembly speakership centered more on leadership style than political differences, with Rivas seen as a leader for the future.