California Republicans Choose New Assembly Minority Leader

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - Republicans in the California state Assembly have chosen a new leader, but will delay the transition until next year.

Assemblyman Chad Mayes of Yucca Valley was chosen Tuesday as the successor to Minority Leader Kristin Olsen of Modesto.

Mayes will take over in January, when lawmakers return for next year's legislative session.

Republicans currently hold 28 seats in the 80-member Assembly.

Olsen is termed out next year, while recent changes to California's term limits law mean Mayes can serve until 2026. She has been leader since late 2014.

It's the second change in Republican leadership in less than a week.

Last Thursday, state Sen. Jean Fuller of Bakersfield took over as Senate minority leader from Bob Huff of San Dimas, months ahead of their previously announced transition in November.