Kevin Mullin Backs Dave Jones

In a significant boost to Dave Jones’ campaign for State Senate, California State Assemblymember and Speaker Pro Tempore Kevin Mullin has formally endorsed Jones, citing his proven leadership on climate change, healthcare, and democracy. Mullin, a respected voice on election reform, joins a growing coalition of elected officials and community leaders backing Jones’ bid to bring his policy expertise to the State Senate.

A Strong Endorsement from a Legislative Leader

Assemblymember Kevin Mullin, who represents the 22nd District in San Mateo County, announced his support for Dave Jones with a statement that underscored Jones’ unique qualifications. Mullin highlighted Jones’ tenure as California Insurance Commissioner and State Assemblymember, pointing to his "proven track record of advocating for all Californians." The endorsement carries particular weight given Mullin’s own reputation as a pragmatic and effective legislator, currently serving as Speaker Pro Tempore for the 2021-2022 session.

Mullin’s endorsement is not merely ceremonial; it reflects a shared commitment to addressing the state’s most pressing challenges. In his statement, Mullin emphasized the urgency of climate action, noting that the legislature would benefit from Jones’ "unique expertise on environmental protection now more than ever." He also praised Jones’ readiness to tackle healthcare access, voting rights, and clean air and water, framing Jones as a candidate with the depth of experience to deliver results from day one.

Kevin Mullin: A Champion for Democracy and Voter Access

Kevin Mullin has built a distinguished career focused on strengthening democracy and expanding voter participation. First elected to the Assembly in 2012, he has been re-elected four times, a testament to his effectiveness and the trust of his constituents. As Speaker Pro Tempore, he plays a key role in guiding legislative priorities and fostering bipartisan cooperation.

Mullin’s legislative record is particularly notable for its impact on election reform. He authored legislation that made it easier for Californians to register to vote, and he enabled San Mateo County to become the first in the Bay Area to conduct a regularly scheduled off-year election entirely by mail. His landmark bill AB 249 established the strongest campaign finance disclosure laws in the nation, increasing transparency in election spending. These achievements underscore why his endorsement of Dave Jones is a meaningful signal to voters who care about democratic integrity.

"Dave Jones has the experience and unique policy knowledge necessary to tackle the most urgent issues Californians face. From increasing access to high quality healthcare, defending democracy and the right to vote, and protecting clean air and water, Dave Jones is ready to represent and fight for Californians in the State Senate." — Assemblymember Kevin Mullin

Dave Jones: A Career of Public Service and Policy Innovation

Dave Jones’ path to the State Senate is paved with decades of public service and a deep commitment to social justice. He began his career as a legal aid attorney, providing free legal assistance to low-income Californians with Legal Services of Northern California. In 1995, he was selected as a White House Fellow, one of only 13 Americans to receive the prestigious honor that year, and he went on to serve as Special Assistant and Counsel to U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno.

Jones’ local government experience includes serving on the Sacramento City Council from 1999 to 2004, where he authored groundbreaking laws requiring developers to build more affordable housing, mandating a living wage for workers, and recognizing domestic partnerships. He then represented Sacramento in the State Assembly from 2004 to 2010, chairing the Assembly Health Committee, the Assembly Judiciary Committee, and the Budget Subcommittee on Health and Human Services. During his tenure, he authored 70 bills that became law, addressing issues from healthcare access to consumer protection.

Environmental Leadership and Climate Action

One of the central themes of Mullin’s endorsement is Dave Jones’ environmental expertise. As California Insurance Commissioner from 2011 to 2018, Jones used his regulatory authority to address climate risk, requiring insurance companies to disclose their investments in fossil fuels and advocating for climate-resilient policies. His understanding of the intersection between finance, regulation, and environmental protection is rare among legislators and positions him to be a forceful advocate for bold climate action in the Senate.

Jones has consistently prioritized clean air and water, and his record includes support for renewable energy standards and emissions reductions. With climate change reaching a crisis point, as Mullin noted, Jones’ background offers a pragmatic yet ambitious approach to transitioning California to a sustainable future. His ability to navigate complex policy areas will be critical as the state seeks to meet its ambitious climate goals while ensuring economic equity.

A Growing Coalition of Support

Kevin Mullin’s endorsement adds to a diverse and influential list of supporters for Dave Jones. Earlier endorsements include fellow Assemblymembers Kevin McCarty and Lorena Gonzalez, Congressmembers Ted Lieu and Katie Porter, and environmental leader Fran Pavley. Each endorsement brings a unique constituency and underscores Jones’ broad appeal across progressive and pragmatic wings of the Democratic Party.

For example, Kevin McCarty’s endorsement highlighted Jones’ commitment to education and social services, while Katie Porter’s support emphasized his consumer protection record. Similarly, Fran Pavley’s endorsement reinforced his environmental credentials. These endorsements, combined with Mullin’s, signal a strong consensus among California leaders that Jones is the right choice for the State Senate.

What This Endorsement Means for the Race

Endorsements from legislative leaders like Kevin Mullin can significantly influence a campaign by signaling to voters, donors, and other elected officials that a candidate is credible and capable. Mullin’s stature as Speaker Pro Tempore and his reputation for integrity make his support particularly valuable. It suggests that Jones is not only qualified but also aligned with the values and priorities of the Democratic caucus in the Assembly.

For voters, this endorsement provides a clear signal: Dave Jones is a candidate with a deep understanding of policy, a proven ability to govern, and a commitment to the issues that matter most—climate, healthcare, and democracy. As the campaign progresses, endorsements like Mullin’s will likely play a key role in shaping the narrative and mobilizing support. With such a strong foundation of backing, Dave Jones is well-positioned to bring his experience and vision to the California State Senate.