Republican Voters Supported the Top-Two Primary Ballot Measure

Under California’s recently adopted top-two primary system the two candidates who received the highest number of votes in the primary advance to the general election, creating the new phenomenon of general election races between members of the same party. This year, 25 of the 158 legislative and congressional seats will entail intra-party contests. Today, four […]

Technology Pulls Back the Political Curtain

When I left the legislature 18 months ago, I confess I left feeling unsatisfied. I felt this way for conflicting reasons. On one hand, my experience behind the curtain gave me such insight, clarity and passion about where I wanted to focus my policy and reform efforts.  But at the same time, the pointless institutional […]

Working to Restore the California Promise

Today, I am privileged to assume the duties of Minority Leader in the California State Assembly, taking office at one of the most challenging times California has ever experienced.

Faced with seemingly unending state budget problems, millions of people out of work and a state teetering on the brink of fiscal insolvency, some have questioned why I would want this job in the first place.

The answer is simple. Our problems are largely of our own making, which means they are problems we can solve. We have a real opportunity to emerge from this adversity stronger, better, and more prosperous than ever before but to do so, we must plan strategically and act courageously.

Millions of people from around the world have been drawn to California over the years for the hope of a better life. California has long been admired as a place of innovation, optimism and opportunity for all, but sadly we have lost our way.