Michael N. Villines - California Representative

Mike Villines, R-Clovis, was elected to the California State Assembly in 2004 to represent the 29th Assembly District, which includes the communities of Clovis, Fresno, Hume Lake, Madera, Orange Cove and Shaver Lake. Recognized for his strong negotiating skills and his ability to lead a united Republican caucus, Villines was chosen by his colleagues in November 2006 to serve as Assembly Republican Leader. Improving California’s business climate, reducing the tax burden on hard-working families and restoring common-sense solutions and accountability to state government are Assemblyman Villines’ top legislative priorities. A political up-and-comer, Villines was named an “Emerging Leader” by the State Legislative Leaders Foundation and the Orange County Register recently lauded his

read more

Mike Villines, R-Clovis, was elected to the California State Assembly in 2004 to represent the 29th Assembly District, which includes the communities of Clovis, Fresno, Hume Lake, Madera, Orange Cove and Shaver Lake. Recognized for his strong negotiating skills and his ability to lead a united Republican caucus, Villines was chosen by his colleagues in November 2006 to serve as Assembly Republican Leader. Improving California’s business climate, reducing the tax burden on hard-working families and restoring common-sense solutions and accountability to state government are Assemblyman Villines’ top legislative priorities. A political up-and-comer, Villines was named an “Emerging Leader” by the State Legislative Leaders Foundation and the Orange County Register recently lauded his fiscal discipline stating, “it’s good to see somebody, at least, is sticking up for the taxpayers and insisting on a balanced budget.” As Republican Leader, Villines plays many important roles. He provides vision and direction as the Republican Caucus forms its legislative agenda every year. Working with his leadership team, Villines plans legislative strategy to ensure Republican measures are passed and signed into law. He also serves as chief negotiator for Assembly Republicans, crafting common-sense solutions to the critical problems facing our state. He is a member of the “Big 5” group of legislative leaders that includes Gov. Schwarzenegger, the President Pro Tem of the Senate, the Senate Republican Leader, and the Speaker of the Assembly. Final agreements on such important issues as how to balance the budget are reached during “Big 5” meetings. Prior to his election to the Assembly, Villines served as an aide to former Gov. 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 for reforming burdensome environmental issues. He also served as chief of staff to former State Sen. Chuck Poochigian, and most recently owned his own small business. Villines is a graduate of California State University, Fresno, and holds a BA degree in political science. He and his wife Christina live in Clovis with their three children.

read less