California State Assemblyman Heath Flora – a Republican from Lodi – has been named as the new leader of the Republican Caucus, in Sacramento, replacing James Gallagher who stepped down in July. Flora, who grew up in the Central Valley, says the new role exemplifies the importance of empowering his constituents by engaging with them advocating for their needs and building relationships with both Republicans and Democrats in the Legislature. He has also announced a new Republican leadership team including Juan Alanis of Modesto, Kate Sanchez of Temecula, and Alexandra Macedo of Tulare.