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About
Robert Andres Bonta, born on September 22, 1972, in San Francisco, California, is a Filipino-American lawyer and politician serving as the 34th Attorney General of California since April 2021. A member of the Democratic Party, Bonta's career in public service began after his education at Yale University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in History in 1995, followed by a Juris Doctor from the University of San Francisco School of Law in 2002. Prior to his appointment as Attorney General by Governor Gavin Newsom, Bonta represented California's 18th Assembly District from 2012 to 2021, focusing on issues like education, housing, and criminal justice reform. He previously served on the Alameda City Council from 2010 to 2012, becoming the first Filipino-American elected official in the city's history. Bonta's early life was shaped by his parents, who immigrated from the Philippines in the 1960s; his father was a nurse and his mother a social worker. He is married to Mia Bonta, a fellow Democratic politician and educator who serves in the California State Assembly, and they have three children.
As Attorney General, Bonta has prioritized consumer protection, civil rights enforcement, environmental justice, and oversight of nonprofits, including investigations into influential figures and organizations. His tenure has involved high-profile actions such as challenging federal immigration policies, defending reproductive rights, and pursuing antitrust cases against big tech. Bonta has faced criticism from conservative groups for his progressive stances, including his support for criminal justice reforms that some argue have contributed to rising crime rates in California. Notably, his office has investigated entities associated with figures like Dennis Prager, highlighting tensions with right-leaning media and nonprofits. Bonta's background as a former public school teacher and community organizer underscores his commitment to equity and public service, making him a key player in California's progressive political landscape.