Brian’s Background
Brian was born on a Bergstorm Air Force Base in Austin, TX. His family made just enough to make ends meet and moved around often. Brian’s parents saw an opportunity to provide a better life for their family in California’s construction industry. When Brian was ten-years-old, his family moved from a small trailer on the plains of Colorado to their dream town, Santee in San Diego County. He attended Santee Elementary, Cajon Park Middle School, and Santana High School. Motivated by his parents’ dedication to providing more opportunities for their children, Brian graduated from Grossmont College. He then earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at San Diego State University.
Brian worked tirelessly his entire life. Brian joined his father in working on the assembly line for a door and trim company at the young age of twelve. Brian worked at a local pizza franchise throughout college and eventually moved into the franchise’s management program. After college, he pursued many career paths, including launching his own carpet cleaning business and selling cars and motorcycles. Driven by his devotion to his faith community, Brian became a pastor and a general manager for a national ministry headquartered in Santee. Seeing the challenges the faith community experienced with California’s bureaucracy, Brian transitioned into commercial real estate, where he assisted churches with navigating through land-use issues.
Brian met his wife Heather while working at the local pizza franchise. They have been married since 1992 and currently live in Santee. They enjoy spending time with their three adult children Christopher, Matthew, Melina, and her husband, Justin. In his free time, Brian loves anything outdoors; he is an avid mountain biker, adventure motorcyclist, occasional hunter/angler, and is always trying to find time to explore State Parks in California.
Brian’s Dedication to Public Service
Determined to improve the quality of life in his community, Brian first found his passion for public service as a Santee City Council Member from 2002-2010 and then again from 2017-2018. Brian took this passion for his community to the state level when he was elected to represent California's 77th Assembly District from 2010-2012 and California's 71st Assembly District from 2012-2016. In 2018, Brian was elected to represent California’s 38th Senate District.
In 2022, Brian was elected to represent California’s 40th Senate District. Brian is proud to serve as the Senate Minority Leader for the California Senate Republican Caucus. Brian’s platform focuses on Fixing California—reducing the cost of living, acting on homelessness, tackling rising crime, and restoring educational excellence. Additionally, coming from a military family, Brian is a fearless supporter of our Armed Forces and our veterans.
Brian’s Legislative Accomplishments
During the 2023-2024 legislative session, Brian is sponsoring numerous notable pieces of legislation, including legislation that suspends the $1/gallon gas taxes and fees, compassionately clears encampments while delivering services to the homeless, helps end human trafficking, and stops sexually violent predators from being dumped in our communities.
During his time in office, Brian proudly sponsored his "Made in America" legislation, making it easier for manufacturers to do business in California. Brian has also authored several important pieces of legislation that have been signed into law, including legislation that:
- Uplifts homeless students
- Protects foster children from child labor trafficking
- Supports the growing craft beverage industry in California
- Brings transparency to the licensing process
Brian proudly serves as the Vice-Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. He also sits on the Senate Insurance Committee and the Senate Governmental Organization Committee. Brian serves as the co-Chair of the Senate Outdoor Sporting Caucus.
Brian’s persistent efforts to lower taxes, lower the cost of living, and reduce burdensome regulations on small businesses have earned him consistent top ratings from: The Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, The California Taxpayers Association, The National Federation of Independent Businesses, and The California Chamber of Commerce, The California Retailer’s Association, and the Civil Justice Association of California.
About Senate District 40
The 40th Senate District encompasses the Cities of Escondido, Poway, San Marcos, Santee, San Diego City communities of Carmel Mountain Ranch, Del Sur, MCAS Miramar, Mira Mesa, Rancho Bernardo, Rancho Peñasquitos, Sabre Springs, Santa Luz, Scripps Ranch, San Pasqual Valley, Sorrento Valley, Torrey Hills, and University City, along with the San Diego County unincorporated communities of 4S Ranch, Alpine, Bonsall, Dehesa, Fallbrook, Harmony Grove, Hidden Meadows, Lakeside, Pala-Pauma, Pine Valley, Rainbow, Ramona, Twin Oaks, and Valley Center.