Corey Jackson (politician)
American politician (born 1982)
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Corey Jackson (born 1982) is an American politician currently serving in the California State Assembly. A member of the Democratic Party, he represents California's 60th State Assembly district, which includes the northwestern corner of Riverside County and is anchored by the city of Moreno Valley.[1] He is the first openly gay black man in the history of the California Legislature, and the first black person to represent Riverside County.[2]
Corey Jackson | |
|---|---|
Official portrait, 2022 | |
| Member of the California State Assembly from the 60th district | |
| Assumed office December 5, 2022 | |
| Preceded by | Sabrina Cervantes |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1982 (age 43–44) |
| Party | Democratic |
Education
Jackson was a student member of the California State University Board of Trustees.[1] He received his Master and Doctor of Social Work degrees from California Baptist University.[3]
Political career
In 2020, Corey Jackson was elected to the Riverside County School Board.[4]
In the 2022 California State Assembly election, Jackson defeated Republican restaurant owner Hector Diaz-Nava.[5]
Jackson is a member of the California Legislative Progressive Caucus.[6]
Controversy over 2025 Remarks on Asian Americans
In April 2025, during a California Assembly Higher Education Committee hearing on Assembly Bill 7 (AB 7), Assemblymember Jackson made remarks that drew criticism from Asian American advocacy groups and civil rights commentators. Addressing Bruce Lou, a Chinese American activist opposed to the bill, Jackson stated: “Some people who have come to this country in different ways unfortunately believe that they’re on the same standing as us.”[7]
The comment was criticized by Asian American organizations and members of the public as racially divisive, with many interpreting it as questioning the equal civic standing of Asian Americans. Bruce Lou, the target of the remark, described it as “racist” and “divisive,” while others noted that the statement echoed exclusionary rhetoric historically used to marginalize Asian Americans.[8]
As of April 2026, Jackson has not issued a public clarification or apology. The incident prompted discussions on racial dynamics, coalition-building among minority communities, and the scope of historical redress in education policy.
Electoral history
Riverside County Board of Education
| Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corey Jackson | 31,583 | 65.7 | |
| Dominic Zarecki | 16,506 | 34.3 | |
| Total votes | 48,089 | 100.0 | |
California State Assembly
| Primary election | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
| Republican | Hector Diaz-Nava | 16,518 | 39.9 | |
| Democratic | Corey Jackson | 11,158 | 27.0 | |
| Democratic | Esther Portillo | 8,219 | 19.9 | |
| Democratic | Jasmin Rubio | 5,471 | 13.2 | |
| Total votes | 41,366 | 100.0 | ||
| General election | ||||
| Democratic | Corey Jackson | 39,260 | 54.7 | |
| Republican | Hector Diaz-Nava | 32,574 | 45.3 | |
| Total votes | 71,834 | 100.0 | ||
| Democratic hold | ||||
| Primary election | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
| Democratic | Corey Jackson (incumbent) | 22,921 | 51.8 | |
| Republican | Ron Edwards | 12,021 | 27.1 | |
| Republican | Hector Diaz Nava | 9,336 | 21.1 | |
| Total votes | 44,278 | 100.0 | ||
| General election | ||||
| Democratic | Corey Jackson (incumbent) | 71,922 | 55.4 | |
| Republican | Ron Edwards | 58,017 | 44.6 | |
| Total votes | 129,939 | 100.0 | ||
| Democratic hold | ||||
