Ronald Steven Calderon (born August 12, 1957 in Montebello, California) is a former Democratic California State Senator from the 30th Senate District. Calderon is also known for receiving bribes from Michael Drobot. Early life On August 12, 1957, Calderon was born in Montebello, California. Calderon attended Montebello High School. Education In 1980, Calderon earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from UCLA. Calderon graduated from the Western State University of Law. Career Calderon served as a manager in the manufacturing industry, a mortgage banker, and a real estate agent. Calderon's political career began when he served as chief of staff for Ed Chavez. Calderon is the second of his family to serve in the senate and the third to hold a seat in the legislature. Prior to Ronald's election his brothers Charles and Thomas also served in the state assembly. California Assembly After redistricting, Calderon's brother Tom Calderon decided to run for California Insurance Commissioner in 2002. Calderon ran for the seat vacated by his brother Tom and won the Democratic primary with 46% of the vote. He won the general election with 63% of the vote. In 2004, he won re-election with 62% of the vote. In 2006, he retired to run for the California State Senate. His brother, Charles, succeeded him. Calderon served as Chairman of the Assembly Banking and Finance Committee. He was also elected Assistant Majority Leader. California Senate Calderon was elected to the 30th Senate District, which includes: Bell, Bell Gardens, Commerce, Cudahy, Huntington Park, La Mirada, Los Angeles, Montebello, Norwalk, Pico Rivera, California, Santa Fe Springs, South El Monte, South Gate, Whittier, East Whittier, East Los Angeles, Florence-Graham, Hacienda Heights, South Whittier, and West Whittier-Los Nietos. In 2006, incumbent Democratic State Senator Martha Escutia decided to retire. In the Democratic primary, Calderon defeated fellow State Representative Rudy Bermúdez 50.4%-49.7%, a difference of just 305 votes. He won the general election with 71% of the vote. In 2010, he won re-election with 69% of the vote. In 2014, Calderon could not run for re-election due to term limits, and he was succeeded by Tony Mendoza. Calderon was chairman of the Elections, Reapportionment and Constitutional Amendments Committee. Senate President Don Perata selected Calderon to lead senate efforts to reform term-limits and redistricting laws, as well as moving the state's presidential primary from June to February. Calderon also chaired the Select Committee on International Business Trade,