Last week, Assemblymember Corey Jackson (D-Riverside) called Assemblymember Bill Essayli (R-Corona) a “bully” after a verbal spat between the lawmakers in the State Capitol’s Assembly chambers.
The incident occurred on June 27 during a hearing for Assembly Bill (AB) 1955 – also called the “Support Academic Futures and Educators for Today’s Youth Act.” That bill calls for prohibiting school districts and employees from disclosing information about a student’s gender identity or sexual orientation without the student’s consent.
Jackson had to be restrained from approaching Essayli on the Assembly floor after the Republican who represents the 63rd District made provocative comments. Both lawmakers are from Riverside County.
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Jackson told Essayli who was a few rows in front of him, “You better watch yourself,” as he was being held back by fellow members of the Assembly, including Isaac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights) and Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood). Bryan, McKinnor, and Jackson are members of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC).
“I am going to leave it as it is and move on. He is who he is,” Jackson told California Black Media (CBM) after the incident,” “Hopefully, it doesn’t happen again but sometimes (Essayli) becomes a bully, and sometimes bullies don’t back down until you force them to.”
Authored by Assemblymember Chris Ward (D-San Diego), AB 1955 passed off the Assembly floor with a 61-16 vote. The bill – supported by the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus — now advances to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk for his approval or veto.
Before the vote, the fracas started after Essayli and Chair Jim Wood (DHealdsburg) were having a contentious back-and-forth about the former prosecutor’s conduct during the debate. Essayli opposed the bill.
Wood told Essayli that he was out of order for bringing up his legislation AB 1413, which he introduced last year. The bill that died in January would’ve required schools to notify parents if their child identified as transgender.
“By the way, I am tired of being interrupted by you,” Essayli said, pointing his finger at Wood. “You do not interrupt them (Democrats).”
Moments later, Jackson reacted to a comment directed at him by Essayli. It is still unclear what was said, and neither party would comment on it. Essayli emailed a statement to CBM concerning the matter, sharing his perspective of Jackson’s action.
“In a free society we don’t silence minority viewpoints, and we certainly don’t resort to threats of violence,” Essayli told CBM. “Mr. Jackson’s conduct was beneath the office he holds and a disservice to the People we represent.”
