The Italian Caucus of California
A Small Beginning — and a Big Moment for Italian Americans in Sacramento
By Chris M. Forte
For more than a century, Italian Americans helped build California — from fishermen in San Francisco and farmers in the Central Valley to merchants in Los Angeles and the families who shaped neighborhoods like San Diego’s Little Italy. Their names are on wineries, churches, restaurants, civic halls, and family businesses across the state.
Yet in Sacramento, that presence has largely been invisible.
California has long had legislative caucuses representing major communities — Black, Latino, Asian Pacific Islander, LGBTQ, Jewish — but Italian Americans never had a comparable organized voice inside the Legislature.
That may now be starting to change.
A newly formed Italian Caucus of California — still informal and developing — represents what could become the first modern Italian-American legislative caucus effort in California history. Small in membership but large in symbolism, the caucus signals something many Italian-American leaders have quietly discussed for years: the need for recognition, coordination, and representation at the state level.
A Caucus Is Born
The emerging caucus is being led by two lawmakers:
- Assemblymember Catherine Stefani
- State Senator Dave Cortese
The two legislators have been identified as co-chairs of the Italian Caucus of California, presenting the initiative during meetings with Italian diplomatic officials and community organizations in early 2026.
Their message was simple: support Italian-American associations, preserve heritage, and strengthen ties between lawmakers and California’s Italian communities.
That may sound modest. But for a community that has historically lacked a unified political voice in California, it is significant.
Pull Quote:
“For the first time, Italian Americans in California are beginning to organize a visible presence inside the state’s political system.”
Unlike long-standing legislative caucuses, the Italian Caucus is still in its early phase. It does not yet have a published membership roster, legislative platform, or formal recognition in official caucus listings. But the foundation is there — and foundations matter.
What the Caucus Appears to Support
Based on public statements, appearances, and early outreach, the Italian Caucus of California appears focused on several core priorities:
Cultural Heritage Preservation
Supporting Italian-American cultural organizations, historical societies, and heritage districts across California.
Recognition of Italian-American Contributions
Highlighting the role Italian immigrants played in shaping California’s economy, agriculture, fishing industry, and urban neighborhoods.
Community Relationship Building
Connecting lawmakers with Italian cultural centers, Little Italy districts, and statewide organizations.
Youth and Language Preservation
Encouraging transmission of Italian language and cultural traditions to younger generations.
Public Visibility
Promoting Italian-American heritage events and statewide recognition initiatives.
These priorities resemble the early stages of many other ethnic caucuses — beginning with recognition, then expanding into policy.
Visits to Little Italies and Cultural Districts
One of the caucus’s most visible early activities has been engagement with California’s historic Italian neighborhoods.
Lawmakers connected with community leaders in places like:
- San Diego’s Little Italy
- Bay Area Italian-American organizations
- Northern California cultural associations
These visits emphasize a key theme: Italian American history is not just nostalgic — it is living, evolving, and still relevant to California’s identity.
Pull Quote:
“Italian-American heritage in California isn’t just history — it’s a living cultural network that still shapes communities today.”
Why This Matters Now
Italian Americans in California occupy a unique position.
Unlike some other ethnic groups, Italian Americans are often seen as fully assimilated — part of the broader mainstream. That success, however, has also meant less organized advocacy, fewer coordinated statewide initiatives, and limited representation in policy discussions.
Meanwhile, other communities have built strong caucuses that influence:
- Cultural preservation funding
- Educational curriculum
- Historical recognition
- Tourism promotion
- Community grants
- Anti-discrimination efforts
The absence of an Italian-American caucus meant those issues were rarely coordinated statewide.
That gap may now begin to close.
Sidebar
Why an Italian-American Caucus Matters in California History
Italian Americans have played a major role in California’s development:
- San Francisco fishermen and waterfront workers
- Central Valley farmers and winemakers
- Los Angeles merchants and restaurateurs
- San Diego tuna fleet families
- Northern California miners and laborers
- Builders of Little Italy districts across the state
Despite this influence, Italian Americans have historically lacked:
- A statewide legislative caucus
- Coordinated heritage policy
- Unified cultural advocacy
- Consistent political representation
An Italian-American caucus could help:
• Protect historic Little Italy districts
• Support Italian cultural centers
• Promote Italian language education
• Recognize Italian-American history in schools
• Strengthen California–Italy cultural ties
• Celebrate Italian-American Heritage Month
• Support preservation of immigrant history
In short, it gives a historic community a modern voice.
Still Early — But Symbolically Important
It is important to be clear: the Italian Caucus of California is still new and developing.
It does not yet have:
- A full membership roster
- A legislative agenda
- Official recognition in caucus listings
- A large bloc of lawmakers
But every caucus begins this way.
Small. Informal. Growing.
Pull Quote:
“This may be a small caucus today — but historically, even small beginnings can reshape how communities are recognized.”
The Road Ahead
The future of the Italian Caucus of California will depend on several factors:
- Whether additional legislators join
- Whether the caucus formalizes its structure
- Whether it introduces policy initiatives
- Whether Italian-American organizations engage with it
- Whether the community supports and grows the effort
If it expands, the caucus could become a meaningful voice for:
Italian heritage
Italian-American identity
Historic preservation
Community institutions
Cultural education
Statewide recognition
If it remains small, it will still represent something new: Italian Americans organizing politically in California in a visible, coordinated way.
Either way, it marks a moment worth watching.
Known Leadership (So Far)
Co-Chairs
- Assemblymember Catherine Stefani
- Senator Dave Cortese
Membership beyond leadership has not yet been publicly formalized.
A Quiet but Historic Development
California’s Italian-American story stretches from the Gold Rush to modern Little Italies. It includes farmers, fishermen, priests, activists, business owners, artists, and families who helped shape the state.
For decades, that story existed mostly outside Sacramento.
The Italian Caucus of California — even in its early stage — suggests that may finally be changing.
And sometimes, history begins quietly.
Assemblymember Catherine Stefani
Co-Chair — Italian Caucus of California
District: Assembly District 19 (San Francisco)
Website: https://stefani.asmdc.org
Capitol Office: 1021 O Street, Suite 5220, Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 319-2019
District Office: (415) 557-2312
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CatherineStefaniCA
Stefani is one of the co-founders of the Italian Caucus of California, working to strengthen ties between lawmakers and Italian-American organizations, cultural institutions, and heritage districts across the state.
“Italian-American heritage is part of California’s identity — and it deserves recognition in Sacramento.”
Senator Dave Cortese
Co-Chair — Italian Caucus of California
District: Senate District 15 (Santa Clara County)
Website: https://sd15.senate.ca.gov
Capitol Office: 1021 O Street, Suite 7520, Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 651-4015
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davecortesegov
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davecortesegov
Cortese has described himself publicly as co-founder of the Italian Caucus of California, emphasizing heritage recognition, community outreach, and collaboration with Italian-American organizations statewide.
“Italian Americans helped build California — this caucus helps ensure that story is not forgotten.”
____________________________________________
Contact the Caucus
Since the caucus is still forming, contact through co-chairs:
Assemblymember Stefani
https://stefani.asmdc.org/contact
Senator Cortese
https://sd15.senate.ca.gov/contact
