SACRAMENTO – Senate President pro Tempore Mike McGuire (D-North Coast) today announced the creation of a special committee on International Sporting Events.

The bipartisan committee of 11 Senators is tasked with ensuring the state’s preparedness to host both the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics. The FIFA World Cup is estimated to bring in more than half a billion dollars to both the Bay Area and Los Angeles. Meanwhile, the 2028 Olympics are projected to create nearly 80,000 new full-time jobs with an $11 billion economic impact. Millions of spectators are expected to flock to the state for both events.

California will be in the global spotlight for both major events and the committee will help ensure the infrastructure, transportation, public safety, tourism, and hospitality industries are fully equipped to meet demand.

“The opportunities for this state with these two massive worldwide events are endless. It’s such an honor for the Golden State to be hosting the World Cup and the 2028 Olympics. That said, stakes are high and we must be prepared. The committee is poised to help meet the demands and expectations advanced by these events and to ensure their success,” said Senate Leader McGuire. “This new Senate committee will help ensure the Golden State will be ready to go, the welcome mat is rolled out, and the experience is world class.”

 

“The Senate is kicking into high gear to prepare for the Olympics and World Cup,” said Special Committee Chair Senator Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica). “After the devastation my community experienced during the Los Angeles fires, it’s critical that we have the tools we need to rebuild and showcase California’s best to the world. We’ve got a ton of work ahead of us and I’m deeply grateful to Pro Tem McGuire for appointing me to this role!”

 

“With two major sporting events headed to California in just a few short years, we must be prepared and ready to go,” said Special Committee Vice-Chair Senator Maria Elena Durazo (D-Los Angeles). “From the World Cup to the Olympics, the investments we make now will uplift both the greater LA region and the entire Bay Area. I am honored to be appointed as vice-chair by Pro Tem McGuire and I look forward to helping bring these world-class events to life.”

The Senate Special Committee will be holding a series of hearings in the coming months.

The Special Committee will be chaired by Senator Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica), vice-chaired by Senator Maria Elena Durazo (D-Los Angeles), and will include the following Senators: Senator Bob Archuleta (D-Pico Rivera), Senator Dave Cortese (D-San Jose), Senator Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach), Senator Laura Richardson (D-South Bay), Senator Susan Rubio (D-Baldwin Park), Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles), Senator Tom Umberg (D-Santa Ana), Senator Suzette Martinez Valladares (R-Santa Clarita), and Senator Aisha Wahab (D-Silicon Valley). 

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Mike McGuire is President pro Tempore of the California Senate. He represents the North Coast of California, which stretches from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Oregon border, including Del Norte, Trinity, Humboldt, Lake, Mendocino, Sonoma, and Marin Counties. Website of Senate Leader McGuire: https://sd02.senate.ca.gov/