Gov. Gavin Newsom this week appointed Assemblyman Rob Bonta as California’s attorney general.

If confirmed by the state Legislature within 90 days, the Democrat from Alameda will replace Xavier Becerra as California’s top law enforcement official. Becerra recently was sworn in as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Assemblyman Rob Bonta

California’s attorney general has a wide range of duties, including enforcement of California’s anti-price gouging law and the prosecution of illegal business practices. The state attorney general issues legal opinions and provides the official title and summary to propositions that appear on the statewide ballot.

“Rob represents what makes California great – our desire to take on righteous fights and reverse systematic injustices,” Newsom said in this news release. “Growing up with parents steeped in social justice movements, Rob has become a national leader in the fight to repair our justice system and defend the rights of every Californian.”