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Scott Baugh

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Scott Baugh
Minority Leader of the California Assembly
In office
April 6, 1999 – November 9, 2000
Preceded byRod Pacheco
Succeeded byBill Campbell
Member of the California Assembly
from the 67th district
In office
November 29, 1995 – November 30, 2000
Preceded byDoris Allen
Succeeded byTom Harman
Personal details
Born
Scott Randall Baugh

(1962-07-04) July 4, 1962 (age 62)
Redding, California, U.S.
Political partyRepublican
SpouseWendy Baugh (m. 1997)
Children1
EducationLiberty University (BS)
University of the Pacific (JD)
WebsiteCampaign website

Scott Randall Baugh (born July 4, 1962) is an American attorney and politician. He is a member of the Republican Party. He served in the California State Assembly[1] and served as the chair of the Republican Party in Orange County, California, from the early 2000s to 2015.[2]

Baugh attended Liberty University and McGeorge School of Law. After graduating, Baugh served as an attorney in private practice in Huntington Beach. Baugh entered politics after a recall was initiated in 1995 for the 67th district of the state assembly;[3] he served as minority leader of the California Assembly.[4] After leaving office, he became the chairman of the local Republican Party.[3]

Baugh was the Republican nominee for California's 47th congressional district in 2022 and 2024, running against Democratic nominees Katie Porter and Dave Min respectively.[5][6] Baugh lost in both elections.[7]

Early life and education

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Scott Baugh was born in 1962 in Redding, California,[8] to Helen and Cason Baugh.[9] Baugh grew up on a 10-acre farm[10] in Redding, California. His father ran a linen supply business,[8] and also leased ranchland.[10] He was the fourth of five children.[8][11] Baugh played as a middle linebacker[10] on his high school football team, earning the nickname "Dr. Death"[10] for his onfield prowess.

In 1984, Baugh earned his Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Liberty University, graduating summa cum laude.[11][8] During his senior year in college, he served as an intern for a congressman on Capitol Hill.[10]

In 1987, Baugh earned his Juris Doctor, with honors, from the McGeorge School of Law.[12][11][8] After graduating from law school, Baugh became an attorney in Huntington Beach, California.

Career

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Lawyer

[edit]

After graduating from law school, Baugh went into private practice with a law firm in Sacramento, California. He later joined the corporate office of Union Pacific Railroad.[10][11][8]

Assemblyman

[edit]
Baugh's official Assembly portrait

In 1995, Baugh ran as a replacement candidate for the recall of Assemblywoman Doris Allen.[11][13][14][15] The recall election took place on November 28, 1995, and Allen was recalled with 65.19% voting to recall her.[16][17][18] Baugh was endorsed by Governor Pete Wilson, the Republican Party of Orange County, the Orange County congressional delegation, and Republican members of the state legislature.[19] Baugh won the replacement election, getting 40.9% of the vote.[20]

Later, Baugh was involved in a controversy around the election that had legal ramifications.[10][12] He was subsequently indicted.[21] Most of the original charges against Baugh were dismissed[22][23] after a local judge ruled that the prosecutor's office had engaged in prosecutorial misconduct[23] by failing to present exculpatory[24] evidence to the grand jury. The key witness was found to be "unreliable".[25] The case was eventually turned over to a different prosecutor after a local judge found that the original attorney engaged in "grave misconduct".[23] California Attorney General Bill Lockyer eventually requested that the judge overseeing the case dismiss[24][4][25] the criminal charges after the case deteriorated in light of the evidence.[24] The case was referred to the Fair Political Practices Commission by the attorney general[22] which eventually levied a fine for civil infractions.[23][10][24][4][25]

While serving in the state legislature, Baugh focused his attention on judicial reform,[26] liability laws and health insurance.[11] Additionally, he authored a number of bills that focused on safety for minors.[11]

1997

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During his time in the State Assembly, Baugh worked against state regulation, including getting a bill passed that exempted new cars from smog checks for the first five years.[27][10] This legislation is believed to have saved Californians 350 million dollars.[10]

Serving as the vice chair of the Assembly Transportation Committee,[10] he helped pass legislation that helped repair an eastern section of the San Francisco Bay Bridge.

Assembly Leader

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Baugh was elected by his Republican colleagues to serve as Assembly Republican Leader in April 1999,[11][28] a post he held until he was termed out in December 2000.[29][4] Baugh's term as leader was characterized by members of both parties as successful as he consistently reached across the aisle.[4][27] As leader, he sponsored legislation on grand jury reform and police officer training on the rights of suspects.[4]

Orange County Republican Party

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On April 19, 2004,[30] Baugh was elected chairman of the Republican Party of Orange County, succeeding Tom Fuentes.[31] Under his leadership, the party moderated[27] its positions and repaired relations with state and national Republicans.[27]

In March 2007, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, seeking the GOP nomination for president in 2008, announced that Baugh would serve as a member of his California statewide finance committee.[32][33] In this capacity, he raised over $2 million for Romney in Orange County.[34][35]

Baugh supported Romney in the 2012 presidential election. During the 2012 Republican Party presidential primaries, Baugh served as a California delegate.[36]

In January 2015, Baugh stepped down as party chair and was succeeded by Fred Whitaker.[37][2][38]

U.S. House of Representatives

[edit]

2022

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Main article: 2022 United States House of Representatives elections in California § District 47

After redistricting took place in 2021,[39][40] Baugh was the Republican candidate for California's 47th congressional district in the 2022 election.[41] He ran under the endorsement of several Republicans, including then House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy. He advanced to the general election, where he lost to incumbent Democrat Katie Porter.[6][42] He lost by 9,000 votes and was out fundraised by Porter 28 million to 3 million.[43][39]

2024

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Main article: 2024 California's 47th congressional district election

Baugh was the Republican candidate for California's 47th congressional district in the 2024 election.[44] The seat was open in 2024 as incumbent Katie Porter ran for a U.S. Senate seat, but lost. Baugh advanced from the March 2024 primary election, where he lost to Democrat Dave Min.[45][46] He lost by approximately 10,000 votes, conceding on Twitter "It has become clear that despite running a strong campaign, connecting with voters, and mobilizing an incredible volunteer effort - that effort is going to come up a little short."[47]

Political positions

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Abortion

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After the Dobbs decision, Baugh has described abortion as a “state-by-state issue".[48]

In 2022, Baugh stated “Life begins at conception. Others may disagree as to precisely when life begins, but there should be no disagreement as to whether it is OK to abort children who have reached the point of viability. We need to promote a culture of life in America – not a culture of termination.”[49]

Balanced Budget

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Baugh is a proponent for responsible government spending and believes that the federal deficit needs to be balanced urgently. Additionally, he's an advocate for a constitutional amendment to require congress to balance the budget.[citation needed]

Congressional stock trading

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Baugh opposes congressional stock trading and has called for all members of Congress to forego trading.[50]

Foreign Aid

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Baugh has called for reduced foreign aid by America "...the Litmus test for providing military and/or financial aid to foreign countries is whether America is protecting its citizens and is that aid promoting our national security interest. Far too often, our representatives entangle the U.S. in foreign affairs and foreign wars with very thin connections to national security, costing American lives and billions of dollars".[51] Baugh has further commented, "... when it is clear that our national security is at risk ... the U.S. should provide assistance."[51]

Government transparency

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Baugh is a strong supporter of transparency in government, and has criticized the congressional fund that is used by the government to settle workplace disputes between government senior employers, including congressional office holders, and staff.[52]

Immigration and border security

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Baugh has expressed support for legal immigration and also supports strict enforcement of immigration law, such as employer verification. [53][51][54] He is against mass deportation and advocates for a nuanced approach, believing that each case should have the circumstances of the person’s behaviour taken into account.[54] Baugh is an advocate for tightening security at the border. He advocates for a "tall fence and a wide gate".[51] He's advocated for ensuring the government has policies in place to secure the border, reducing and eliminating crime around the border, and strengthening enforcement.

Personal life

[edit]

Baugh and his wife, Wendy, have a son. Baugh lives in Huntington Beach, California.[9] Baugh is part of several community initiatives and has worked with the OC Fair.[55][56]

Electoral history

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State Assembly

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1995

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California's 67th State Assembly district election, 1996
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Scott Baugh 45
Democratic Linda Moulton-Patterson 38.07
Republican Don MacAllister 11
Republican Haydee Tillotson 7
Republican Shirley Carey 5
Total votes 158,105 100.00
Republican win

1996

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California's 67th State Assembly district election, 1996
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Scott Baugh (incumbent) 80,013 56.32
Democratic Cliff Brightman 54,085 38.07
Reform Donald W. Rowe 7,950 5.60
No party Wayne Dapser (write-in) 14 0.01
Invalid or blank votes 16,043 10.15
Total votes 158,105 100.00
Republican hold

1998

[edit]
California's 67th State Assembly district election, 1998
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Scott Baugh (incumbent) 66,570 57.53
Democratic Marie H. Fennell 43,372 37.48
Libertarian Autumn Browne 5,772 4.99
Invalid or blank votes 13,198 10.24
Total votes 128,912 100.00
Republican hold

Congressional

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2018

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California's 48th congressional district election, 2018[57][58]
Primary election
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Dana Rohrabacher (incumbent) 52,737 30.3
Democratic Harley Rouda 30,099 17.3
Democratic Hans Keirstead 29,974 17.2
Republican Scott Baugh 27,514 15.8
Democratic Omar Siddiqui 8,658 5.0
Republican John Gabbard 5,664 3.3
Democratic Rachel Payne (withdrawn) 3,598 2.1
Republican Paul Martin 2,893 1.7
Republican Shastina Sandman 2,762 1.6
Democratic Michael Kotick (withdrawn) 2,606 1.5
Democratic Laura Oatman (withdrawn) 2,412 1.4
Democratic Deanie Schaarsmith 1,433 0.8
Democratic Tony Zarkades 1,281 0.7
Libertarian Brandon Reiser 964 0.6
Republican Stelian Onufrei (withdrawn) 739 0.4
No party preference Kevin Kensinger 690 0.4
Total votes 174,024 100.0

2022

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2022 California's 47th congressional district primary[59]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Katie Porter (incumbent) 86,742 51.7
Republican Scott Baugh 51,776 30.9
Republican Amy Phan West 13,949 8.3
Republican Brian Burley 11,952 7.1
Republican Errol Webber 3,342 2.0
Total votes 167,761 100.0
2022 California's 47th congressional district election[60]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Katie Porter (incumbent) 137,374 51.7
Republican Scott Baugh 128,261 48.3
Total votes 265,635 100.0
Democratic hold

2024

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2024 California's 47th congressional district primary[61]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Scott Baugh 49,799 32.8
Democratic Dave Min 39,080 25.7
Democratic Joanna Weiss 28,948 19.0
Republican Max Ukropina 22,729 15.0
Republican Long Pham 4,195 2.8
No party preference Terry Crandall 2,400 1.6
Democratic Boyd Roberts 2,012 1.3
No party preference Tom McGrath 1,321 0.9
No party preference Bill Smith 902 0.6
Democratic Shariq Zaidi 672 0.4
Total votes 152,058 100.0
2024 California's 47th congressional district election
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Dave Min 181,721 51.44
Republican Scott Baugh 171,554 48.56
Total votes 353,275 100.0
Democratic hold

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Kang, Hanna. "In Orange County's open congressional race, does prior experience matter?". Orange County Register.
  2. ^ a b Wiskol, Martin (January 20, 2015). "Seeking a shift, 'standard-issue Republican' will lead the county party". Orange County Register. Archived from the original on July 31, 2024. Retrieved August 5, 2024.
  3. ^ a b Moxley, Riley (August 25, 2013). "SCOTT BAUGH, ORANGE COUNTY REPUBLICAN PARTY CHAIRMAN, TO RUN FOR CALIFORNIA STATE SENATE?". OC Weekly. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  4. ^ a b c d e f Hill-Holtzman, Nancy (April 13, 1999). "Scott Baugh Emerges To Lead A Combeack". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved August 5, 2024.
  5. ^ "Democrat Min to face Republican Baugh in California's competitive 47th Congressional District". AP News. March 8, 2024. Retrieved March 18, 2024.
  6. ^ a b Weisman, Jonathan (June 8, 2022). "Katie Porter will face an Orange County G.O.P. stalwart, Scott Baugh, in the fall". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on June 13, 2022. Retrieved June 13, 2022.
  7. ^ Vakil, Caroline (November 13, 2024). "Democrat Dave Min wins California House seat to replace Porter". The Hill. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
  8. ^ a b c d e f Trounson, Rebecca; Hall, Len. "THE RECALL OF DORIS ALLEN : Novice Victor Is 'Loyal Republican' : Profile: New Assemblyman Scott Baugh credits conservative philosophy for his success". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on February 21, 2022. Retrieved October 3, 2024.
  9. ^ a b "Scott Baugh's Biography". Votesmart.org. Retrieved May 3, 2019.
  10. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k BAILEY, ERIC (October 19, 1997). "After Rough Start, Baugh Gains in Sacramento". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on August 2, 2024. Retrieved August 2, 2024.
  11. ^ a b c d e f g h Mitchelln, Kim. "Inventory of the Scott Baugh Papers". Online Archive of California. California State Archives. Retrieved October 2, 2024.
  12. ^ a b Warren, Peter (September 22, 1997). "Baugh's Philosophy: 'Stand Up and Fight'". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved August 2, 2024.
  13. ^ "GOP's Allen Elected Speaker by Democrats : Assembly: First woman in post is shunned by her own party. She appoints Brown as Speaker emeritus". Los Angeles Times. June 6, 1995. Retrieved February 28, 2022.
  14. ^ "THE ASSEMBLY'S NEW SPEAKER : Conservatives Vow Allen Recall Effort : Politics: She is labeled a traitor by one Republican leader but grounds for party punishment are unclear". Los Angeles Times. June 6, 1995. Archived from the original on February 21, 2022. Retrieved February 21, 2022.
  15. ^ "Allen May Quit Post if Unable to Finance Fight". Los Angeles Times. September 12, 1995. Archived from the original on February 21, 2022. Retrieved February 21, 2022.
  16. ^ Stephen Schwartz (November 29, 1995). "Doris Allen Recalled In Orange County / GOP lawyer likely to take her seat". Sfgate.com. Retrieved February 21, 2022.
  17. ^ "Complete List of Recall Attempts". Sos.ca.gov. Archived from the original on February 18, 2022. Retrieved February 28, 2022.
  18. ^ "Inventory of the Scott Baugh Papers". Online Archive of California. Retrieved August 12, 2024.
  19. ^ "THE RECALL OF DORIS ALLEN : Novice Victor Is 'Loyal Republican' : Profile: New Assemblyman Scott Baugh credits conservative philosophy for his success". Los Angeles Times. November 29, 1995. Archived from the original on February 21, 2022. Retrieved February 21, 2022.
  20. ^ "Paul Bannai Sworn in" (PDF). clerk.assembly.ca.gov. Archived (PDF) from the original on September 9, 2024. Retrieved September 23, 2024.
  21. ^ https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-03-23-mn-50374-story.html
  22. ^ a b Warren, Peter; Grad, Shelby (November 27, 1997). "Some Counts Against Baugh Dismissed". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved August 3, 2024.
  23. ^ a b c d Pasco, Jean (July 28, 1999). "Election Violations Cost Baugh". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on July 31, 2024. Retrieved August 1, 2024.
  24. ^ a b c d Pasco, Jean (March 21, 1999). "State to Seek the Dismissal of Criminal Case on Baugh". LA Times. Archived from the original on August 3, 2024. Retrieved August 2, 2024.
  25. ^ a b c "Lawmakers Must Respect Law". LA Times. March 23, 1999. Retrieved August 12, 2024.
  26. ^ Hill-Holtzman, Nancy. "Senate OKs Restitution Bill for Those Wrongly Convicted : Legislation: Assemblyman Scott Baugh's measure would entitle former Tustin resident Kevin Lee Green to $620,000 for his 16-year incarceration". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on October 7, 2024. Retrieved October 3, 2024.
  27. ^ a b c d Pasco, Jean (March 16, 2004). "O.C.'s Republican Chairman Steps Down". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on July 31, 2024. Retrieved August 1, 2024.
  28. ^ Pasco, Jean. "Election Violations Cost Baugh". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on June 4, 2022. Retrieved October 3, 2024.
  29. ^ "Scott Baugh Emerges to Lead a Comeback". Los Angeles Times. April 13, 1999. Archived from the original on February 22, 2022. Retrieved February 28, 2022.
  30. ^ Wisckol, Martin (January 18, 2011). "O.C. GOP chairman acknowledges call for change". OC Register. Archived from the original on August 9, 2024. Retrieved August 5, 2024.
  31. ^ "O.C.'s Republican Chairman Steps Down". LA Times. March 14, 2004. Archived from the original on January 25, 2021. Retrieved March 8, 2018.
  32. ^ "O.C. shows it's not 'Romney country'". Los Angeles Times. February 7, 2008. Archived from the original on March 7, 2022. Retrieved March 7, 2022.
  33. ^ Bunis, Dena (February 7, 2008). "Romney bows out of presidential race". OC Register. Retrieved August 5, 2024.
  34. ^ Berthelsen, Christian (February 7, 2008). "O.C. Shows it's not 'Romney country'". LA Times. Retrieved August 2, 2024.
  35. ^ Wisckol, Martin (September 17, 2012). "Romney Returns to O.C. to raise Cash Today". OC Register. Retrieved August 5, 2024.
  36. ^ Wisckol, Martin (May 8, 2012). "Romney's Orange County Delegates Unvueild". OC Register. Retrieved August 1, 2024.
  37. ^ Wisckol, Martin (January 20, 2015). "Previously behind the scenes, Fred Whitaker tapped as new Orange County GOP leader". Orange County Register. Retrieved March 8, 2018.
  38. ^ "Editorial: O.C. GOP has a new chairman". Orange County Register. January 20, 2015. Retrieved August 5, 2024.
  39. ^ a b Mason, Melanie (November 18, 2022). "Democratic Rep. Katie Porter holds on to seat in tightly fought Orange County race". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on August 5, 2024. Retrieved August 5, 2024.
  40. ^ Macagnone, Michael (December 21, 2021). "Lations, Democrats get boost in California congressional map". Roll Call. Archived from the original on August 2, 2024. Retrieved August 2, 2024.
  41. ^ Gonzales, Nathan (January 4, 2022). "New districts, new ratings point to California battles ahead". Roll Call. Archived from the original on January 20, 2022. Retrieved January 19, 2022.
  42. ^ "Progressive favorite Katie Porter wins re-election after days of counting". NBC News. November 18, 2022. Archived from the original on November 20, 2022. Retrieved December 14, 2022.
  43. ^ "California District 47 2022 Race". Open Secrets. Retrieved August 3, 2024.
  44. ^ Schallhorn, Kaitlyn (January 10, 2023). "Scott Baugh launches congressional bid for Rep. Katie Porter's seat". The Orange County Register. Archived from the original on January 19, 2023. Retrieved January 20, 2023.
  45. ^ "Democrat Min to face Republican Baugh in California's competitive 47th Congressional District". AP News. March 8, 2024. Archived from the original on March 18, 2024. Retrieved March 18, 2024.
  46. ^ "Democrat Dave Min defeats Scott Baugh in critical California House race". NBC News. November 13, 2024. Retrieved December 13, 2024.
  47. ^ Rodriguez, Matthew (November 13, 2024). "Democrat Dave Min wins California Rep. Katie Porter's open Orange County congressional seat, CBS News projects - CBS Los Angeles". www.cbsnews.com. Retrieved December 13, 2024.
  48. ^ Marzorati, Guy (October 18, 2024). "This Heated Orange County Congressional Race Could Determine Control of the House | KQED". www.kqed.org. Retrieved October 20, 2024.
  49. ^ "Roe v. Wade: Here's where Orange County House members, challengers stand on abortion rights". Orange County Register. May 4, 2022. Archived from the original on September 21, 2024. Retrieved October 20, 2024.
  50. ^ "Baugh For Congress - Priorities". Baugh For Congress. April 9, 2024. Retrieved August 1, 2024.
  51. ^ a b c d Schallhorn, Kaitlyn (January 20, 2024). "Scott Baugh, CA-47 Candidate, 2024 Primary Questionnaire". OC Register. Archived from the original on August 14, 2024. Retrieved August 1, 2024.
  52. ^ Baugh, Scott (December 17, 2017). "Congress must live by the same rules as the taxpayers". Retrieved August 1, 2024.
  53. ^ "Scott Baugh Campaign Website - Campaign Priorities". Scott Baugh Campaign. April 8, 2024. Retrieved September 17, 2024.
  54. ^ a b Baugh, Scott (July 20, 2014). "Immigration". Archived from the original on August 11, 2024. Retrieved August 1, 2024.
  55. ^ "Rep. Katie Porter Wins Reelection to CA-47 seat". OC Register - Nov 2022. November 18, 2022. Archived from the original on July 31, 2024. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  56. ^ Cassidy, Jon (October 28, 2011). "Fair board signs Deal with OC Marathon". OC Register. Archived from the original on August 12, 2024. Retrieved August 12, 2024.
  57. ^ "2018 California primary election results" (PDF). Elections.cdn.coc.ca.gov. Archived (PDF) from the original on May 8, 2021. Retrieved August 10, 2019.
  58. ^ "2018 California general election results" (PDF). Elections.cdn.coc.ca.gov. Archived (PDF) from the original on April 25, 2019. Retrieved August 10, 2019.
  59. ^ "June 7, 2022, Primary Election United States Representative" (PDF). California Secretary of State Shirley Weber. June 25, 2022.
  60. ^ "2022 election results" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on February 13, 2023. Retrieved August 3, 2024.
  61. ^ "California 47th Congressional District Primary Election Results". The New York Times. March 5, 2024. Retrieved March 7, 2024.
[edit]
California Assembly
Preceded by Member of the California Assembly
from the 67th district
1995–2000 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Minority Leader of the California Assembly
1999–2000 		Succeeded by
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