Mike Villines | |
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California State Assembly Republican Leader |
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In office November 10, 2006 – June 1, 2009 |
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Preceded by | George Plescia |
Succeeded by | Sam Blakeslee |
Member of the California State Assembly from the 29th district |
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In office December 6, 2004 – November 30, 2010 |
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Preceded by | Steven N. Samuelian |
Succeeded by | Linda Halderman |
Personal details | |
Born |
San Jose, California |
March 30, 1967
Political party | Republican |
Residence | Clovis, California |
Profession | Businessman |
Religion | Christian |
Signature | |
Website |
Official web site Campaign web site |
Michael N. Villines (born March 30, 1967) is a former California State Assemblyman, who served from 2004 to 2010 representing the 29th district. The 29th Assembly District consists of Clovis, Fresno, Hume Lake, Madera, Orange Cove, and Shaver Lake.
Prior to his election to the Assembly in 2004, Villines served as an aide to former Governor Pete Wilson, first as an advance representative coordinating the Governor's media appearances, and later as an appointee to the Department of Fish and Game implementing the Governor's legislative and policy agenda. He also served as chief of staff to former State Senator Chuck Poochigian, until 1999.
After building a public relations firm in the Fresno area, Mike Villines was elected to his first political office in the California Assembly in 2004. He received 42.9% of the vote in a Republican primary contested by three candidates and went on to easily defeat his Democratic opponent in the general election with 62.4% of the vote.
Villines was chosen by his colleagues in November 2006 where he served as Republican leader for 2 1⁄2 years, making him one of the longest serving leaders over the past 25 years (due to terms limits). He succeeded George Plescia of La Jolla. Plescia had succeeded Kevin McCarthy who stepped down to make a successful run for Congress.
Villines served as chief negotiator for Assembly Republicans, crafting solutions to the critical problems facing California. He was a member of the "Big 5" group of legislative leaders that included at the time Governor Schwarzenegger, Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, Senate Republican Leader Dennis Hollingsworth, and Speaker of the Assembly Karen Bass. Final agreements on such important issues as how to balance the budget are reached during "Big 5" meetings.