Senator Suzette Martinez Valladares, R-Santa Clarita, celebrated a momentous day with California Senate Republicans as three new members and one returning member of the Senate Republican Caucus were sworn in.

Senator Valladares is a former Assemblymember with a background in business and operating a non-profit and describes herself as a “wife, mom, and problem-solver.”

Joining her at the momentous ceremony were her husband Shane, and daughter Charlotte.

“Californians are increasingly concerned about the future of our state,” Valladares said. “Today marks the start of a fight for the solutions our communities deserve and I’m both ready and eager to get to work for the people of my district and California. Together we can bring accountability, deliver results, and restore confidence in our state’s leadership.”

This historic election year marks the first time since 1980 that Senate Republicans successfully flipped a seat against an incumbent Democrat during a Presidential General Election.

Besides Senator Valladares, Senator Megan Dahle (R-Bieber), Senator Dr. Steven Choi (R-Irvine), and returning member Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh (R-Yucaipa) also took the oath of office at the State Capitol.

Other returning members of the now nine-member Senate Republican Caucus include Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones (R-San Diego), Senators Marie Alvarado-Gil (Jackson), Shannon Grove (Bakersfield), Roger Niello (Fair Oaks), and Kelly Seyarto (Murrieta).

This is the first time the entire California State Senate is populated by 50 percent women.

The Senate Republican Caucus is also celebrating for the first time that a majority of the caucus membership will be women. In addition, three of the six Republican women are Latinas.

Senator Valladares is the first Latina Republican to serve in both the Assembly and the Senate.

Ed. Note: The above information was provided to KHTS by Valladares’ Office.

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