Bill Essayli
Name: Bilal Ali “Bill” Essayli
Current Role: United States Attorney for the Central District of California (Acting)
Start Date: April 2, 2025
Party Affiliation: Republican
Birth Details: Born November 24, 1985, in Corona, California
Background: Son of Lebanese immigrants
Career Overview
Bill Essayli is an American attorney and former California legislator who became the chief federal prosecutor for the nation’s largest judicial district in 2025. He previously represented the 63rd District in the California State Assembly and built a career spanning state prosecution, federal service, and private practice.
Law Firm Experience / Public Service
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Began his legal career as a Deputy District Attorney in the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office.
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Served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Central District of California from 2014 to 2018, prosecuting violent crime, white-collar offenses, and terrorism-related cases.
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Practiced privately in criminal defense and civil litigation before entering politics.
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Elected to the California State Assembly representing the 63rd District, serving from December 2022 until his appointment as U.S. Attorney in April 2025.
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Sworn in as U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California on April 2, 2025, where he oversees federal prosecutions in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties.
Education and Early Life
Bill Essayli was raised in Corona, California, by parents who emigrated from Lebanon. He attended Centennial High School and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, as part of the Kellogg Honors College. He received his Juris Doctor from Chapman University School of Law.
Major Cases and Actions
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As a federal prosecutor, he worked on the Justice Department’s response to the 2015 San Bernardino terrorist attack.
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Helped secure a conviction against a physician involved in unlawful opioid prescribing linked to patient deaths.
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As a legislator, introduced bills addressing parental notification policies in schools and gender participation in athletics, although these proposals did not pass.
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As U.S. Attorney, announced priorities including stronger enforcement against violent and organized crime, investigation of fraud in homelessness-spending programs, and renewed focus on immigration-related prosecutions.
Public Image and Focus
Essayli is regarded as a prominent voice within California’s Republican Party and is noted for his direct, often confrontational style. He emphasizes accountability in government spending, border security, and public safety. His background as a first-generation Lebanese American and Muslim Republican has drawn both attention and distinction within California politics.
Personal Life
Bill Essayli is the son of Lebanese immigrants and the first in his family to graduate from college. He has spoken publicly about his faith and heritage as part of his personal motivation for public service.
Fast Facts
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Born November 24, 1985, in Corona, California.
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Son of Lebanese immigrant parents.
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BA, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.
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JD, Chapman University School of Law.
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Former Riverside County Deputy District Attorney.
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Assistant U.S. Attorney, Central District of California (2014–2018).
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California State Assemblymember, District 63 (2022–2025).
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Appointed Acting U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California in April 2025.
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First Muslim member of the California State Assembly.
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Party: Republican.
