Bill Essayli
Republican
| Date | Party | Office | Votes | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11-06-2018 | Republican | AD-60 | 57710 | Loss |
| 11-08-2022 | Republican | AD-63 | 82613 | Win |
| 11-05-2024 | Republican | AD-63 | 0 |
| Website: | ad63.asmrc.org |
Candidate Biography:
Bilal Ali Essayli
Born: November 24, 1985 in Orange Co., CA
2008: Intern, White House Counsel's Office
2012-2014: Deputy District Attorney, Riverside County District Attorney’s Office
2014-2018: Assistant U.S. Attorney
2018-2019: Chief of Staff, San Bernardino Mayor John Valdivia
2020: Alternate Delegate, Republican National Convention
- One of the first two Muslims (with Aisha Wahab) to serve in the California State Legislature (both legislators started service on December 5, 2022)
- LAWSUIT: Essayli and Melissa Melendez were plaintiffs in the lawsuit to overturn of SB 27 (Chapt. 121, Stats of 2019) by Mike McGuire and Scott Wiener, which requires candidates for President and Governor to file their income tax returns for the 5 most recent taxable years with the Secretary of State in order to appear on a primary election ballot. On November 21, 2019, the California Supreme Court found that the law violated the State Constitution.
- QUOTABLE: "California is a fallen republic. When the CA Supreme Court can block the People from voting on a ballot initiative, we have devolved from a constitutional to a banana republic." Source: Twitter (@billessayli 6/20/2024)
- Legislative Altercation: During an Assembly floor debate on the morning of morning of June 27, 2024, Jackson was involved in an loud argument with Assemblyman Bill Essayli. During the debate over AB 1955 (2024; by Chris Ward), which would prohibit California schools from having policies to notify parents if students request to change their gender identity in school, Essayli began his comments by saying "I think this bill is everything that’s wrong with our politics today. This bill is built on a foundation of disinformation, hyperbole and fearmongering." Two minutes into his comments, Speaker pro Tem Jim Wood ruled that Essayli was out of order (for having comments of a general nature rather than on the merits of the bill), to which Essayli replied "I am not out of order," and "By the way, I am tired of being interrupted by you." At some point, Jackson yelled "You better watch yourself" multiple times at Essayli before he was restrained by Assemblymen Marc Berman and Isaac G. Bryan.