The Youngest Leader in Sacramento: David Tangipa on Reform, Safety, and Real Leadership

State of Gold

Guest: Assemblyman David Tangipa

Guest Bio

David Tangipa is the youngest member of the California State Assembly, representing the Fresno area. A proud son of Tongan immigrants and a disabled U.S. veteran, David brings a powerful voice shaped by lived experience in underserved communities. His early career in local politics and public safety set the stage for his bold entry into state leadership.

David is known for speaking hard truths on California’s fiscal irresponsibility, skyrocketing cost of living, and the dangerous policies impacting youth and public safety. Whether it’s exposing the flaws in California’s energy mandates or leading the charge to make child sex trafficking a serious felony, Tangipa is part of a new generation of leaders demanding accountability, common sense, and reform in California.

Show Summary

In this electrifying conversation, Assemblyman David Tangipa joins State of Gold to deliver a scathing critique of California’s budget crisis and misguided crime policies. As the youngest member of the State Assembly, Tangipa calls out the political cowardice and ideological extremism that’s bankrupting the state — and lays out a bold vision for change.

From personal stories about growing up in one of the state’s toughest neighborhoods and losing a family member to sex trafficking, to hard-hitting facts about California’s massive budget deficit and energy mismanagement – this episode pulls back the curtain on what’s really happening in Sacramento. Tangipa reveals how just dozens of wealthy individuals are propping up the state budget — and why we’re one economic hiccup away from collapse.

A must-listen for anyone concerned about California’s future, this episode proves why Tangipa is one of the most important up-and-coming voices in state politics today.

Chapters

00:00 – Why California’s Budget is a Moral Crisis

01:30 – Meet David Tangipa: Youngest Assemblyman, Son of Immigrants

03:20 – From Food Lines to the State House: A Personal Mission

05:15 – Budget Breakdown: Why the Math No Longer Works

07:00 – The $9.6B Surprise Cost Nobody Saw Coming

08:45 – Who Really Pays California’s Bills? (Hint: A Few Dozen People)

10:50 – Why the Legislature Won’t Make Hard Cuts

13:15 – A Personal Story: Losing a Family Member to Sex Trafficking

15:00 – The Fight for Felony Protections for Minors

17:00 – How Ideology is Blinding Public Safety Policy

19:00 – The “Compassionate Racism” No One Talks About

21:00 – Fixing Energy Costs with Common Sense Reform

23:00 – Why Government Expansion is Driving California’s Collapse

24:30 – What Young Voters Really Want

26:00 – Gen Z Is More Conservative Than You Think

27:00 – Why $900K Homes are Pushing People Out

28:30 – Tangipa’s Vision: A California that Works for Californians

30:00 – Lightning Round: Favorite Leader, Biggest Misconception, What Gives Him Hope

Connect with David

• X: https://x.com/DavidTangipa
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidjtangipa/?hl=en
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tong_ee_pa?_t=ZP-8xI2L7bsQFK&_r=1
• Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-tangipa-819877b2/
• Website: https://ad08.asmrc.org/

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Connect with State of Gold

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