Ian Charles Calderon (born October 19,1985) is an American politician,small business owner,and former legislator who served in the California State Assembly. He is a Democrat who represented the 57th Assembly District,which encompasses the Gateway Cities and portions of the San Gabriel Valley from 2012 to 2020. He served as the Assembly Majority Leader from 2016 to 2020.[1] In November 2019,he announced that he would not be running for reelection in 2020,citing his desire to spend more time with his growing family.[2] He is currently a candidate for governor of California for the 2026 election.[3]
Before holding elective office,he worked as a field representative for state legislators,helping constituents navigate state and local government services.[5][6]
In March 2016,Calderon was chosen by his peers to become Majority Leader of the Assembly,becoming the youngest person in state history at that time to hold that position.[6] He remained Majority Leader until the end of his Assembly tenure in 2020.[9]
While in leadership,Calderon was associated with a number of legislative initiatives. Calderon played a role in advancing California's film and entertainment tax credit regime,including reforms to enhance diversity and transparency in film production.[6]
He introduced AB 2658 in 2018,which created the California Blockchain Working Group to deliberate on blockchain,cryptocurrency,and related technology policy.[6][9][10]
Calderon also supported increases in the state minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2022,and efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.[6]
In addition,he was active in legislative caucuses and committees. During his Assembly tenure,he served as Chair of the Select Committee on Youth and California's Future,Co-Chair of the Legislative Technology &Innovation Caucus,and Co-Chair of the Legislative Millennial Caucus.[6]
Post-legislative career and gubernatorial candidacy
In November 2019,Calderon announced he would not seek re-election in 2020 in order to focus more on spending time with his family.[9][6] He served out his term through late 2020.[9]
His stepmother,Lisa Calderon,ran for and won his former Assembly seat in November 2020.[11][9]
After leaving office,Calderon founded a consulting and lobbying firm called Majority Advisors.[12] The firm's name is a reference to is his tenure as Majority Leader.[10][9]
In September 2025,Calderon officially announced his candidacy for the 2026 California gubernatorial election.[13] His campaign highlights issues such as housing affordability,high cost of living,childcare,and integrating technological innovation into state policy (including support for holding bitcoin on the state’s balance sheet).[14][9][10]
Calderon was named Legislator of the Year by TechNet, received the Internet Champion Award from the Internet Association, and was named TechAmerica’s California Tech Champion in 2014, among other industry honors.[6]
Calderon has also received various arts-related accolades. For example, the California Association of Museums awarded him its 2015 President’s Award, and he was named a Legislative Arts Champion by Californians for the Arts.[6]
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