David Tangipa

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David Tangipa
File:David Tangipa, 2025 (cropped).jpg
Official portrait, 2025
Member of the California State Assembly
from the 8th district
Incumbent
Assumed office
December 2, 2024
Preceded byJim Patterson
Personal details
BornDavid Jariustokaeutulelei Tangipa
(1995-12-09) December 9, 1995 (age 30)
Sacramento, California, U.S.
PartyRepublican
Residence(s)Fresno, California, U.S.
EducationCalifornia State University, Fresno (BS, MBA)
Football career
Profile
PositionTight end
Class20
Awards and highlights
Coaching profile at Pro Football ReferenceLua error in Module:EditAtWikidata at line 29: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).
Stats at Pro Football ReferenceLua error in Module:EditAtWikidata at line 29: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).

David Jariustokaeutulelei Tangipa[1] (born December 9, 1995) is an American businessman, former college football player, and politician who is a member of the California State Assembly from the 8th district.

Early life and education

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Tangipa was born and raised in Sacramento, California to a military veteran father and Tongan mother. He attended California State University, Fresno, where he played tight end for the Bulldogs and earned a Bachelor of Science in political science and criminology as well as a Master of Business Administration.[2]

Career

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Football

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Tangipa played on the Fresno State Bulldogs football team as a tight end.

Politics

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Tangipa worked as a field representative for Fresno County Supervisor Nathan Magsig.

Following incumbent Jim Patterson's retirement, Tangipa ran for the California State Assembly in the 8th district in 2024. Patterson endorsed his candidacy. He advanced to the general election with fellow Republican former U.S. Representative George Radanovich, ultimately defeating him.[3]

California State Assembly

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In 2025, the California State Assembly and State Senate passed Tangipa’s legislation, Assembly Bill 377, which was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom. The bill amends the California High-Speed Rail Act to require the High-Speed Rail Authority to submit a detailed funding plan for the Merced-to-Bakersfield segment as part of its 2026 business plan.

Tangipa described the bill as “an important step to make sure Fresno and the Central Valley are not left with an unfinished monument of wasted taxpayer dollars.”[4] The bill passed with bipartisan support, which Tangipa argued was a signal of broader legislative concern over the project's escalating costs and missed deadlines.[5]

Electoral history

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2024 California State Assembly 8th district election[6][7]
Primary election
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican George Radanovich 48,868 36.1
Republican David Tangipa 42,318 31.3
Democratic Caleb Helsel 40,089 29.6
No party preference Michael Matheson 4,097 3.0
Total votes 135,372 100.0
General election
Republican David Tangipa 113,407 53.7
Republican George Radanovich 97,770 46.3
Total votes 211,177 100.0
Republican hold

References

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  1. ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  2. ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  3. ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  4. ^ Tangipa’s bill to require High-Speed Rail funding plan signed by Newsom. SJV Sun. July 10, 2025.
  5. ^ New law demands California High-Speed Rail show the money. KSEE 24 News. July 10, 2025.
  6. ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  7. ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
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