Dear Neighbor,
The 2026-2027 legislative session is officially over, and I’ve completed my first full year as your state senator, proudly representing California's 36th Senate District. I remain committed to fighting for affordability by pushing to suspend the gas tax, advocating for public safety by requesting full funding for Proposition 36, and ensuring government accountability through my Fix 911 Act. The language from my bill was incorporated into a budget bill in June, which the governor signed into law.
I have exciting news to share about a legislative update.Senate Bill 1133, the Ready to Learn, Ready for Health Act, has been signed into law. My new landmark student health bill will help students better understand how nutrition, sleep, physical activity, stress, and technology can influence their health, academic success, and lifelong well-being. Click HERE to learn more about SB 1133.
I am committed to tackling the affordability crisis, which is why I presented multiple opportunities in 2026 for the California State Legislature to join me in suspending the gas tax for one year. California drivers pay the highest gas tax in the nation, and they deserve meaningful relief at the pump.
My commonsense proposal would have lowered the price of a gallon of gas by $1.08, saving an average family approximately $1,100 annually. Once again, the California State Legislature rejected the idea of providing relief at the gas pump. Click HERE to listen to my Floor remarks.
Click HERE to listen to my Floor remarks advocating for the suspension of the gas tax.
By now, you’ve likely heard about the California Energy Commission’s controversial new tire mandate. Five commissioners, appointed by the governor and Democratic legislative leadership, are making decisions that directly affect California families’ wallets.
I introduced Senate Bill 885, the Restoring Accountability Act, to rein in unelected boards and commissions that wield significant power without accountability to the voters. Unfortunately, the bill was blocked the bill from advancing, denying it a vote by the full Legislature.
These commissioners receive six-figure compensation while imposing policies that make life harder for families already struggling financially. That’s why I called on them to resign. Click HERE to read my letter.
The California State Senate unanimously passed Senate Resolution 140, proclaiming September 4th as California Wildlife Day in remembrance of Jackie, the Bald Eagle. I have received thousands of messages about SR 140, and I want to thank you for your kind words and heartfelt messages about Jackie. SR 140 gave Jackie a place in California’s history, as she touched millions of lives in California, across our country, and around the world. You can read these articles about SR 140 and Jackie in The Strickland Spotlight.
Click HERE to learn about bills that I am a proud co-author of.
September 11th, 2026, marked the 25th anniversary of the horrific September 11th attacks. I proudly voted in support of Assembly Concurrent Resolution 225, which was passed unanimously. The bipartisan resolution recognizes the 9/11 Remembrance Flag and encourages California public buildings to fly it every September 11 to honor the victims, first responders, and all those affected by the attacks. In June, I was honored to speak at the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s Steel Across America Tour stop in Huntington Beach, where we honored the heroes, first responders, and victims of September 11, 2001. Thank you again to Stephen Siller Jr. for carrying on his father’s legacy through Tunnel to Towers and for making a lasting impact by supporting the brave men and women who put their lives on the line to protect and serve others.
June 2026 at the Tunnel to Towers Steel Across America event
I was proud to vote for Assembly Bill 2374, which establishes a state-level designation to recognize public and private higher education institutions that show commitment toward supporting Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) students in increasing retention and graduation rates. The designation will help AANHPI students make informed enrollment decisions by identifying institutions that provide a welcoming environment, meaningful support, and opportunities for students to succeed.
California is no stranger to wildfires, earthquakes, floods, and other natural and man-made disasters. These emergencies can happen with little warning, making it important to know what to do before one occurs. Senate Concurrent Resolution 191 declares September as California Emergency Preparedness Month. It passed unanimously with bipartisan support, and I'm a proud supporter. In the 36th Senate District, we are fortunate to have first responders and emergency service personnel who work every day to keep our communities safe. Be prepared. Click HERE to learn ways to prepare you and your family when an emergency happens.
District Highlights:
It was great to be back in Garden Grove! I joined the Garden Grove Government Affairs Committee to provide a legislative update on the work I’m doing in Sacramento to make California more affordable for working families and stand up for our local communities. I also shared an update on my continued efforts to fight for Garden Grove residents impacted by the recent chemical leak crisis and make sure their voices are heard. I’ll always put the people of Garden Grove first and fight to ensure they get the answers, accountability, and support they deserve.
Meeting with the Garden Grove Government Affairs Committee
I was glad to join the Huntington Beach Police Department for a Senior Scam Stopper Seminar, along with my colleague Assemblymember Diane Dixon (R-Newport Beach). Protecting our seniors from scams and fraud is a shared responsibility we both take seriously. Events like this help make sure our seniors have the tools and information they need to stay safe.
(Photo 1) With Assemblywoman Diane Dixon (R-Newport Beach)
I joined Assemblymember Laurie Davies (R-Laguna Niguel) in requesting that the Governor declare a State of Emergency for the coastal regions of Orange County following the severe destruction caused by recent storms. The cities of Dana Point, Laguna Beach, and San Clemente have already declared local emergencies. It’s critical that the state act now and issue a State of Emergency to bring resources together, protect California’s coastal communities, and safeguard vital infrastructure. Click HERE to read the bipartisan, bicameral letter.
Click HERE to read the bipartisan, bicameral letter.
I was honored to serve as the keynote speaker and celebrate this year’s outstanding award winners at the Arab American Business Chamber’s Annual Gala. It was a privilege to recognize the incredible achievements of business leaders who are helping strengthen our local economy and create new opportunities throughout District 36.
I’m proud of the Chamber’s continued commitment to increasing visibility, fostering collaboration, and supporting the growth and development of the Arab American business community. Thank you for all that you do to support local businesses, bring our communities together, and help make our district a place where businesses can thrive. Congratulations to this year’s award winners!
Arabian Nights Awards Gala with the Arab American Business Chamber
Community Outreach:
Team Strickland attended the AAPI Legislative Caucus and OCAPICA’s OC Town Hall in Cerritos. The event brought together residents, community organizations, and local leaders to discuss issues impacting communities across the region and provided an opportunity to hear directly from those in attendance. Thank you to the organizers and everyone who participated and shared their perspectives.
AAPI Legislative Caucus & OCAPICA’s OC Town Hall in Cerritos
Team Strickland attended the Korean American Special Education Center's (KASEC) 7th Annual Dream Art Contest Award Ceremony & Exhibition in Cypress. It was wonderful to see our community come together to recognize and celebrate the creativity, talent, and accomplishments of artists with developmental disabilities. Thank you to KASEC for putting on such a wonderful event and providing a supportive environment where individuals are embraced, empowered, and given opportunities to shine.
KASEC 7th Annual Dream Art Contest Award Ceremony
Grand Opening highlights in Senate District 36:
Team Strickland joined the City of Garden Grove in celebrating the grand opening of its new police department along with Orange County Supervisor Janet Nguyen and Garden Grove Mayor Stephanie Klopfenstein. Congratulations to the city and the men and women of the Garden Grove Police Department who work every day to keep our community safe!
Team Strickland at the grand opening of the Garden Grove Police Department
Team Strickland had the honor of joining Caltrans for the completion and ribbon cutting of the I-405 Multi-Asset “Revive the 405” Project. Congratulations to Caltrans and all involved in completing this major investment in safer, more reliable transportation for Orange County.
“Revive the 405” Project ribbon cutting ceremony
Team Strickland joined the grand opening of Bushfire Kitchen in Cypress
Grand opening of Solera Wine Bar in Seal Beach
Sycamore Creek Community Charter School in Huntington Beach
DaoYin Holistic Health in Seal Beach
Grand opening of Essence of Viet Comfort Food in Fountain Valley
Severson Originals in San Clemente
Grand re-opening of Wild Water Express Car Wash
Grand opening of Acai Republic in Dana Point
ICYMI: The Strickland Spotlight
I sat down with In Focus host Tanya McRae for a one-on-one interview about my legislative priorities, including my yearlong advocacy to suspend California’s gas tax, the highest in the nation. We also discussed the importance of my efforts to secure full funding for Proposition 36, the anti-crime law approved by nearly 70% of California voters in 2024, and my work across the aisle to deliver real results for California’s 36th Senate District. My interview is posted on the homepage of my Senate website. Click HERE to watch the entire interview.
Click HERE to watch the entire interview.
As vice chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, I have called on five commissioners of the California Energy Commission to resign after they passed a controversial mandate that came from Assembly Bill 844 (2003, Nation). AB 844 (2003) was a replacement tire efficiency program, an old law that was passed in 2003, which I voted in opposition to when I served in the California State Assembly. The controversial tire mandate means you’ll be paying more when you go to get replacement tires. Tire industry experts state that the new mandate will eliminate an estimated 70% of the tires currently sold in California by 2033, which the California Energy Commission has also acknowledged and has not denied. Click HERE to watch my interview on KCRA.
Click HERE to watch the story with my interview on KCRA.
Click HERE to read the story as reported by the California Post about the controversial new tire mandate.
I am grateful for the positive response to Senate Resolution 140, in honor of Jackie the Bald Eagle. Media outlets in Los Angeles and across California have covered the story. Click HERE to read the KTLA 5 Los Angeles story, click HERE to read the article from LAist, click HERE for the Los Angeles Times’ coverage, and click HERE to watch the FOX 11 story about Jackie the bald eagle.
Click HERE to read the NBC 4 Los Angeles story.
I was on FOX 11 Los Angeles to discuss my legislation, Senate Bill 1133, the Ready to Learn, Ready for Health Act. Click HERE to watch my interview on FOX 11.
Click HERE to watch my interview on FOX 11.
Lastly, I want to give a shoutout to my Capitol team in Sacramento for their incredible work and dedication in 2026. From handling media interviews to legislation, they organized it all for me. We are starting to build my legislative package for 2027. If you have a bill idea, please email me at [email protected],and include in the subject line 2027 Bill Idea. My legislative team and I will review your bill for consideration.
With my Capitol team on September 1st.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and you’ll see many in the law enforcement community sporting the pink badge in support of survivors. This simple symbol is a meaningful way to show solidarity, honor those who have faced breast cancer, and raise awareness throughout our communities. Together, we wear pink to support survivors, remember those we have lost, and stand with everyone affected by breast cancer.
As always, my district office is here to help you navigate state government. You can contact me at [email protected] or call (714) 374-4000.
In Friendship,
Tony Strickland
Senator, California 36th Senate District