Legislator of the Year Award
The CalSPAC Delegation selects a Legislator of the Year to recognize the efforts of a Legislator who has shown commitment to the CalSPAC focus areas and Junior League efforts. Delegates submit nominations for the “Legislator of the Year” using the nomination form to the Co-Chairs at least one week prior to the Winter Conference. At the Winter Conference, each member league votes for one of the nominees. The award is then presented to the winning Legislator at the Day at the Capitol Conference in May.
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2024-2025 Legislator of the Year - Senator Melissa Hurtado
Senator Melissa Hurtado has demonstrated outstanding leadership and a steadfast commitment to addressing critical issues impacting California’s families and children. Since becoming the youngest individual elected to the State Senate in 2018, she has been a consistent advocate for public health, food security, and student safety.
Through impactful legislative efforts such as the Campus Opioid Safety Act and measures expanding access to life-saving opioid antagonists in public venues, Senator Hurtado has played a key role in advancing strategies to combat the opioid crisis and improve public safety across the state. Her work to strengthen healthy food access reflects a deep commitment to ensuring families, particularly in underserved communities throughout the Central Valley, have access to affordable and nutritious food.
Senator Hurtado’s leadership is guided by prevention and community care. Yahushua’s Law, enacted in memory of a 12-year-old student who died from a heat-related illness, establishes statewide safety protocols to better protect students from extreme weather conditions in schools.
Through her thoughtful, results-driven approach to legislation and her dedication to community well-being, Senator Hurtado continues to positively impact the lives of families and children across California.
CalSPAC proudly recognizes Senator Melissa Hurtado as the 2024–2025 Legislator of the Year.
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Past Winners
2023–2024 - Assemblymember Sabrina Cervantes
2022–2023 - Senator Dave Cortese
2021–2022 - Senator Susan Rubio
2020–2021 - Assemblymember Buffy Wicks
2018–2019 - Assemblymember Susan Talamantes Eggman
2017–2018 - Senator Scott Weiner
2016–2017 - Senator Toni Atkins
2013–2014 - Senator Marty Block
2012–2013 - Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson, Assemblymember Bonnie Lowenthal
2011–2012 - Senator Joe Simitian, Assemblymember Anthony Portantino
2010–2011 - Senator Mark DeSaulnier
2009–2010 - Assemblymember Fiona Ma, Assemblymember Pedro Nava
2008–2009 - Assemblymember Julia Brownley, Assemblymember Pedro Nava
2006–2007 - Senator Sheila Kuehl, Assemblymember Todd Spitzer
2004–2005 - Senator Elaine Alquist, Assemblymember Wilma Chan
2002–2003 - Senator Jackie Speier, Assemblymember Joe Simitian
2000–2001 - Senator Jackie Speier
1999–2000 - Senator Jackie Speier, Assemblymember Elaine Alquist
1998–1999 - Assemblymember Sheila Kuehl
1997–1998 - Assemblymember Jim Cunneen *(Inaugural year of this award)