Capitol Academy

The Capitol Academy is an intensive and intimate three-day leadership development program to support and train local elected and appointed officials to run for higher office. The Capitol Academy is designed to provide participants with insight into the inner workings of the State Capitol’s network. Participants have an opportunity to learn from senior political and policy experts.

APPLY HERE FOR THE 2027 COHORT
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Program Overview

  • The Capitol Academy is a three-day leadership development program hosted in Sacramento

  • Travel, lodging, and meals are included

  • Up to 12 applicants are selected to participate in each cohort


    Capitol Academy’s 13th Cohort—August 2027

“In 2006, I founded the Capitol Academy leadership training program to nurture the next generation of API leaders. Since its inception, program graduates have gone on to serve in the legislature, city council, and board of supervisors. The leadership training is a great tool for API leaders."

A smiling woman with short black hair, wearing hoop earrings, a red and black patterned scarf, and a black blazer, standing in front of American flags.

Judy Chu, Founder
U.S. Representative, CA 28th Congressional District
Chair Emirita of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus

Capitol Academy Alumni in Office

We are incredibly proud of the 130+ Alumni that serve in elected and appointed roles across the State of California. Each day, they dedicated themselves to public service and advancing the needs of our communities. Below are some of our Alumni that currently serve in statewide office:

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A woman with dark hair pulled back, smiling, wearing a pink top with gold buttons, in a bright indoor space with large windows.

Aisha Wahab
Class of 2021
Vice Chair, API Legislative Caucus

Portrait of a man in a suit and tie with an American flag lapel pin, standing in front of American flags.

Al Muratsuchi
Class of 2008
Assemblymember, 66th District

A portrait of a smiling man wearing glasses, a dark suit, a white shirt, and a colorful tie, standing in front of South Korean flags.

Dr. Steven Choi
Class of 2007
State Senator, 37th District

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Mike Fong
Class of 2015
Chair, API Legislative Caucus

A female doctor wearing a white coat and a pink stethoscope, smiling outdoors with a large domed building and trees in the background.

Dr. Jasmeet Bains
Class of 2015
Assemblymember, 35th District

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A woman with long dark hair smiling, standing in front of American and California flags.

Stephanie Nguyen
Class of 2017
Vice Chair, API Legislative Caucus

Portrait of a smiling man in a suit, with American and California flags in the background.

Ash Kalra
Class of 2019
Assemblymember, 25th District

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Robert Bonta
Class of 2008
Attorney General of California

Dr. Darshana Patel
Class of 2023
Assemblymember, 76th District

Jessica Caloza
Class of 2023
Assemblymember, 52nd District

2025 Capitol Academy alumni

Cohort 12

We are proud to celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2025 and look forward to the continued impact they will make in their communities and across the public sector!

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Paul Seo 
Mayor Pro Tem
City of Rancho Palos Verdes 

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Chyanne Chen
Supervisor
San Francisco City and
County Board of Supervisors

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John Morada
Councilmember
City of Dublin

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Arnel Dino 
Chair of Planning Commission
City of Fullerton

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Hanley Chan
Commissioner
San Francisco Veterans Affair

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Mark E. Pulido
Councilmember 
City of Cerritos

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Jackie Thu-Huong Wong
Trustee
Washington Unified School District

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Andrew Chou 
Councilmember
City of Diamond Bar

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Sion Roy
Trustee
Santa Monica College Board

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Xouhoa Bowen
Vice Mayor
City of San Leandro