Anna Marie Caballero (born April 18, 1955)[1] is an American politician serving in the California State Senate. A Democrat, she represents the 14th State Senate district, which includes Merced, Madera and Fresno Counties and part of the Central Valley. She previously served in the California State Assembly representing the 30th Assembly District, encompassing the Pajaro and Salinas Valleys in the Central Coast, from 2016 to 2018 and the 28th Assembly District from 2006 to 2010.[2]
Endorsements
Many democrats in legislature, some unions, California Young Democrats,Democratic Women’s Caucus, Latina Leads California, California Latino Legislative Caucus. Her endorsements page has more details.
Reputation/Scandals/Successes
Focus on Agriculture and Housing: As Chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and a former state housing official, she is viewed as a key problem-solver for California’s rural communities. She is known for securing investments for water access, affordable housing, and flood recovery.
Historical Political Trailblazer: She maintains a reputation as an impactful leader among Latinas, serving as the first female mayor of Salinas and the first Latina elected to her respective Assembly and Senate districts.
Broad Institutional Support: Her reputation for “integrity, persistence, and results” has earned her endorsements from prominent figures like Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, the California Latino Legislative Caucus, and labor organizations during her campaign for California State Treasurer.
Bipartisan Appeal: Because she represents a traditionally more conservative region of California (the Central Valley), she is perceived as a legislator who can cross political aisles and bring people together
Progressive Criticism
Campaign Finance Critiques: Watchdog metrics compiled by CalMatters Digital Democracy rank her among the higher recipients of personal gifts among state legislators, which has drawn some scrutiny. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Friction with the Progressive Wing: Caballero has a reputation for occasionally bucking her party’s progressive faction on issues like environmental regulations and criminal justice.
Poor Advocacy Report Cards: She has faced pushback from groups like the Courage Campaign, landing her on a progressive “Hall of Shame”. Organizations like the People’s Report Card of California gave her an “F” grade, pointing to votes against health insurance rate reviews and restrictions on expediting police misconduct records during trials.
Campaign contributors
Has received over $909K in contributions Major contributors include businesses and business related PACs. Details available at transparencyusa.org..
