Senate District 31 Newsroom

Senator Cervantes
Press Releases

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Press Release

Senator Cervantes’ Statement on the 2026-27 State Budget Signed by Governor Gavin Newsom

(SACRAMENTO, CA) – On Monday, Governor Gavin Newsom signed the 2026-27 state budget, delivering key investments that protect essential services, strengthen local communities, and help families navigate continued uncertainty caused by federal funding cuts.

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Press Releases

Statement on the Supreme Court decision protecting the sacred right to vote

Senator Cervantes, author of the California Voting Rights Act of 2026, comments on the Supreme Court decision protecting the sacred right to vote

Press Releases

Dr. Jonathan P. Higgins selected as 31st Senate District LGBTQ+ Honoree

(SACRAMENTO, CA) --- Dr. Jonathan P. Higgins, an award-winning educator, media critic, and social justice leader, was recognized by Senator Cervantes (D-Riverside) as the honoree for the 31st Senate District’s LGBTQ+ Pride. Nine honorees were presented this week as part of Pride Month celebrations at the State Capitol; in conjunction, Senate Resolution 116, introduced by the Senator, Vice Chair of the LGBTQ Caucus, recognizes June 2026 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month.

Press Releases

Community Members' Concerns Affirmed with State Auditor’s Findings on the RUSD STEM Education Center Project

The California State Auditor released the final report on June 9, 2026, regarding the Riverside Unified School District (RUSD) STEM Education Center (STEM Center), at the request of Senator Sabrina Cervantes (D-Riverside). In April 2025, Senator Cervantes submitted an audit request to the Joint Legislative Audit Committee (JLAC) regarding RUSD's lack of transparency in its handling of the proposed STEM Center.

Press Releases

Senator Cervantes’ Statement on State Auditor’s Findings on the Riverside Unified School District STEM Education Center Project

Key findings in the State Auditor’s report regarding the STEM Education Center project confirm many of the concerns raised by members of the RUSD community. The audit found that inconsistent reporting and documentation of Measure O bond fund allocations reduced public transparency, making it difficult for both the school board and community members to fully understand the project’s financial commitments.

Press Releases

Cervantes’ Bill Aims to Safeguard California Residents from the Unchecked Expansion of Private Detention Facilities

Senate Bill 1367–Prohibiting Zoning for Detention Centers by Senator Sabrina Cervantes (D-Riverside)–was approved Tuesday by the Senate. The legislation would prohibit new land-use authorizations in a manner that allows the construction of a detention facility or a change of use that permits the use of an existing building as a detention center.

Press Releases

Senate Approves Cervantes’ Bill Protecting Military & Overseas Voters’ Right to Vote

On Wednesday, Senate Bill 970 by Senator Sabrina Cervantes (D-Riverside), which will facilitate the ability of U.S. military personnel deployed overseas and Americans living abroad to cast their ballots, was approved on the Senate Floor by a vote of 29-1.

Press Releases

Governor Signs Landmark Cervantes’ Bill to Protect California Elections from Interference

Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 73 by Senator Sabrina Cervantes (D-Riverside) into law May 27, 2026, to provide elections in California with improved defenses against interference. Because SB 73 included an urgency clause, its provisions took effect immediately upon the Governor's signature, ensuring the defenses it provides are in place for the June 2nd statewide primary election.

Press Releases

Cervantes’ Landmark California Voting Rights Act Approved by State Senate, Affirming Defense of Democracy

The California Voting Rights Act of 2026 (CVRA 2026), comprised of Senate Bill 1164 and 1360 by Senator Sabrina Cervantes (D-Riverside), both cleared the State Senate Floor this week. With recent decisions by the Supreme Court of the United States, fighting voter suppression and vote dilution in California law has become more necessary than ever.