By Cris Alarcon, InEDC Writer. (April 2, 2025) — In a significant shift within California’s legal and political landscape, Assemblymember Bill Essayli has been appointed as the United States Attorney for the Central District of California, based in Los Angeles. This appointment places him at the helm of federal law enforcement in the nation’s most populous federal court jurisdiction, encompassing nearly 20 million residents across Southern California.
Essayli, 39, brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously served as an assistant U.S. attorney in the same office earlier in his career. His recent tenure in the California State Assembly, representing the 63rd District—which includes areas such as Corona, Eastvale, and Riverside—has been marked by a commitment to public safety and legal reform.
Essayli, Upon his appointment underscoring his dedication to prioritizing law enforcement over political considerations, stated,
“We are making crime illegal again and putting it before politics,”
Standing alongside Essayli during the announcement was Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, who has declared his candidacy for the 2026 California gubernatorial race. Bianco, a Republican and vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump, has pledged to address issues such as public safety and government regulation.
Also present was El Dorado County District Attorney Vern Pierson, Harriet Salarno, founder of Crime Victims United of California. Salarno established the organization following the tragic murder of her daughter in 1979 and has since been a steadfast advocate for victims’ rights and public safety legislation.
This confluence of legal and political figures signals a concerted effort to refocus on crime prevention and victims’ rights in California, reflecting a broader dialogue on public safety within the state.
