Assembly Member Ramos: ‘paternalistic approach should no longer be tolerated by the state and this Legislature’

Ramos describes colleague’s remarks as odious and cynical

*The following is the text of an August 21, 2025, news release*

SACRAMENTO — Assemblymember James C. Ramos (D-San Bernardino) today expressed his disgust at the offensive use of California’s First People during an Assembly Floor discussion of AB 604, regarding proposed California voter redistricting maps. The remarks were made by a San Diego-area Assembly member.

"A few days ago, the Assembly acknowledged the long history of horrific atrocities committed against Native Americans living in California, including the War of Extermination, called for by the state’s first governor. Therefore, it was particularly odious to have California’s First People used so cynically today.

"Redistricting does not erase tribal sovereignty, reservations, citizenship rights or power. As the Legislature’s first California Native American elected to the State Legislature, I found it offensive and hypocritical to bring the tribes into a highly contentious fight without seeking their input and assuming that this one colleague would know best what would serve Native Americans. This paternalistic approach toward Native Americans should no longer be tolerated by the state and this Legislature."

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Assemblymember James C. Ramos proudly represents the 45th Assembly district that includes the Cities of Fontana, Highland, Mentone, Redlands, Rialto and San Bernardino. He is the first and only California Native American serving in the state’s legislature. Ramos chairs the Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 6 on Public Safety and the Assembly Select Committee on Native American Affairs.