Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom Receives Delta Protector Award for Protecting the Delta and Ensuring Its Survival and Well-Being

STOCKTON - Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom (D-Tracy) was honored with Restore the Delta's Delta Protector Award for her leadership in protecting the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, fighting for accountability in California water policy and securing state resources for Delta communities.

Since taking office, Assemblymember Ransom has made Delta protection a top priority of her legislative and oversight work. She has challenged efforts to fast-track the Delta Conveyance Project, led a request for an audit of the Department of Water Resources' spending on the project and fought to preserve the environmental and public protections that Delta communities rely on.

"I am honored to receive Restore the Delta's Delta Protector Award. Protecting the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta has been one of my top priorities since I took office. The Delta helps supply water to two-thirds of California's population and millions of acres of farmland. That is why I have worked to bring greater attention and investments to the Delta.

I am grateful to Restore the Delta for its partnership and continued leadership. Together, we have stopped efforts to fast-track the Delta Conveyance Project and advanced investments to protect the Delta's long-term health and survival."

-Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom

Ransom's Delta Advocacy

Assemblymember Ransom has consistently advocated transparency, accountability, and investment in the Delta.

She partnered with Restore the Delta to request a state audit of the Delta Conveyance Project, seeking answers about the project's rising costs, funding sources, and potential impact on California ratepayers.

Assemblymember Ransom also opposed proposed budget trailer bills that would have fast-tracked the Delta Conveyance Project and weakened existing environmental and public oversight. Through continued advocacy with Delta Caucus members and local community partners, those proposals were stopped from advancing.

In response to the spread of the invasive golden mussel, Assemblymember Ransom authored AB 2032, the Golden Mussel Response Act to give water agencies the tools to respond faster. She also fought to secure $6 million in the 2026-27 State Budget for five Delta-based decontamination sites to help protect California's water infrastructure and agricultural economy.

The Delta Protector Award

For 15 years, Restore the Delta has presented the Delta Protector Award to individuals who have demonstrated leadership in protecting the region. This year marked the first time the award primarily recognized legislators, honoring Assemblymember Ransom alongside Supervisor Pat Hume and Senator McNerney for their advocacy on behalf of the Delta.

Barbara Barrigan-Parrilla, executive director of Restore the Delta, said, "Assemblymember Ransom has been a strong steward and protector of the Delta in her time in the legislature so far. From defending against proposals to expedite the Delta Conveyance Project, to championing an audit of the costs of the project, and securing funding to assess and mitigate the golden mussels problem. The Assemblymember is a doer - proactive on behalf of the region - for her constituents and beyond, and Restore the Delta is happy to honor her with the award of Delta Protector."

Assemblymember Ransom received the award during Restore the Delta's "20 Years of Turning the Tide: A Benefit for Restore the Delta," held at the Willow Ballroom in Hoo