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Bill Essayli
American politician From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Bilal Ali "Bill" Essayli (born November 24, 1985) is an American lawyer and politician who is currently serving as the acting United States attorney for the Central District of California, having been appointed to the acting position in July 2025, having previously been appointed to the interim position in April 2025.[2][3][4][5] He previously served as a member of the California State Assembly from 2022–2025 until his appointment as interim U.S. attorney. A Republican, he was the first Muslim elected to the California State Assembly,[6] where he represented the 63rd district, which includes Canyon Lake, Corona, Eastvale, Lake Elsinore, Menifee, Norco, Riverside, Temescal Valley, and Woodcrest.[7]
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Early life and education
Essayli's parents are immigrants from Lebanon who fled to the country to escape its civil war.[6] He is a first-generation college graduate, earning his undergraduate degree from the Kellogg Honors College of California State Polytechnic University, Pomona and a Juris Doctor from Chapman University School of Law.[8]
Early career
Essayli served as an intern in the White House Counsel's Office in 2008. He then worked in private practice, where he focused on employment law. Then he joined the Riverside County District Attorney's office as a prosecutor. He then became an Assistant United States Attorney for the Central District of California. Among the cases he worked on was the 2015 terrorist attack in San Bernardino.[9]
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California State Assembly
In 2018, Essayli ran for the California State Assembly against incumbent Democrat Sabrina Cervantes. He lost the election, but made a strong showing, which raised his local profile.
In 2022, Essayli ran for the state Assembly in the newly created 63rd Assembly District. He defeated Eastvale Mayor Clint Lorimore in the primary and businesswoman Fauzia Rizvi in the general election.
U.S. Attorney
In April 2025, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi appointed Essayli as interim U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California.[3][4] The appointment was made under federal law allowing the Attorney General to fill vacancies without Senate confirmation for up to 120 days.[10] The district, headquartered in Los Angeles, encompasses seven counties and nearly 20 million residents, making it the largest federal judicial district outside of Washington, D.C.[11]
His appointment prompted pushback from Democratic officials and progressive organizations, culminating in the launch of Stop Essayli, a grassroots effort opposing his confirmation on grounds of alleged political retaliation and civil rights concerns.[12][13][14][15]
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Personal life
Essayli is the first Muslim in history to be elected to the California State Assembly.[6][16]
Electoral history
2018
2022
2024
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References
External links
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