This is an accepted version of this page Charles Michael Calderon (born March 12, 1950) is an American attorney and politician who served in both chambers of the California State Legislature.

The "Gang of Five", included Calderon, Gary Condit, Steve Peace of Chula Vista, Gerald Eaves of Rialto, and Rusty Areias of Los Banos.

From September 1996 until the end of his term, Calderon served as the first Hispanic Senate Majority leader in California history.

Prior to his 2006 election to the assembly, he served as California Health Care Commissioner and was a partner with the law firm of Nossaman.

Ronald held Charles's former Senate seat until 2014; Thomas has been out of the legislature since an unsuccessful run for insurance commissioner in 2002.