Mike Levin
Michael Ted Levin (born October 20, 1978) is an American politician and attorney serving as the U.S. representative for California's 49th congressional district since 2019. A member of the Democratic Party, he represents most of northern coastal San Diego County, as well as part of southern Orange County.[1]
Mike Levin | |
|---|---|
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from California's 49th district | |
| Assumed office January 3, 2019 | |
| Preceded by | Darrell Issa |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Michael Ted Levin October 20, 1978 Inglewood, California, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Chrissy Parker (m. 2011) |
| Children | 2 |
| Residence(s) | San Juan Capistrano, California, U.S. |
| Education | Stanford University (BA) Duke University (JD) |
| Website | House website |
Early life and education
Levin was born in Inglewood, California, and raised in Lake Forest, California,[2] in South Orange County.[3] His mother is Mexican-American and his father is Jewish.[4] Levin was raised in both the Jewish and Catholic faiths.[5] He attended Loyola High School in Los Angeles before attending Stanford University. At Stanford, Levin served as president of the student body.[6] He attended law school at Duke University School of Law before returning to Orange County.
Early career
Levin co-founded CleanTech OC, a clean energy trade association in Orange County,[7] and was profiled in an OC Metro "40 Under 40" piece for his work at FlexEnergy, a company that developed a technology to capture and use methane from landfills and wastewater treatment facilities.[8] He was the director of government affairs at FuelCell Energy from 2014 to 2017.[9] He also served as vice president of Better Energy Systems, a consumer-facing cleantech startup based in Berkeley, California,[10] and on the board of directors of the Center for Sustainable Energy, an environmental organization based in San Diego.[11] In this capacity, Levin opposed the redevelopment of Encina Power Station, arguing that "the proposed Carlsbad plant contradicts the priorities that California has established to reduce pollution across our state as it will use combustion to generate power."[9]
Levin served as the executive director of the Democratic Party of Orange County.[11] He later served on the National Finance Committee for Hillary Clinton's 2016 campaign for President.[12][13][14]
U.S. House of Representatives
Elections
2018
On March 8, 2017, Levin announced his candidacy for United States Congress in California's 49th congressional district to replace incumbent Representative Darrell Issa.[11] The district had historically been one of Southern California's more Republican districts, but redistricting after the 2010 census cut out most of its heavily Republican inland portion, making it significantly more competitive. Issa had nearly been defeated in 2016 as Hillary Clinton carried the district.
At a town hall event that Issa held on March 11, 2017, Levin publicly confronted Issa and mentioned a book he had sent Issa in 2016, Climate Change for Beginners. Levin charged that Issa's solution to climate problems "is to build more natural gas plants and to keep the nuclear energy plants online for longer.... I think that's an unfathomable proposal for a progressive and environmentally-friendly place like San Diego."[15][16] On January 10, 2018, Issa announced his retirement.[17]
Levin campaigned with a platform focused on energy and environmental issues.[18]
Due to the competitive character of the race as well as the absence of an incumbent, there were 16 candidates on the ballot in the primary.[19] The large number of candidates in the nonpartisan blanket primary led to fears that Democrats would be locked out of the general election.[20][21]
In the June 5 primary, Levin came in second to Republican State Board of Equalization chair Diane Harkey and advanced to the general election. This assured that the district would be represented by someone from the Orange County portion of the district, though the 49th is a San Diego district by weight of population. Levin is from San Juan Capistrano, while Harkey is from nearby Dana Point.
Barack Obama endorsed Levin as well as other candidates.[22]
2020
In the 2020 general election, Levin defeated Republican Brian Maryott with 53.1% of the vote.[23]
2022
In the 2022 general election, Levin again defeated Republican Brian Maryott, this time with 52.6% of the vote.[24]
Tenure
As of October 2022, Levin had voted in line with President Joe Biden's stated position 100% of the time.[25]
Committee assignments
For the 118th Congress:[26]
- Committee on Natural Resources
- Committee on Veterans' Affairs
- Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity (Ranking Member)
- Subcommittee on Health
Caucus memberships
- Congressional Hispanic Caucus
- Congressional Progressive Caucus[27]
- Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition
- Freshmen Working Group on Addiction
- Gun Violence Prevention Task Force
- Safe Climate Caucus
- California Aerospace Caucus[28]
- End Corruption Caucus[29]
- House Pro-Choice Caucus[30]
Political positions
Abortion
Levin has a 100% rating from NARAL Pro-Choice America and an F rating from the Susan B. Anthony List for his voting record on abortion-related issues.[31][32] He has emphasized his support for "a woman's right to a safe, legal abortion".[33]
Climate change
Levin has prioritized addressing climate change, which has garnered attention from national media outlets covering energy and environmental issues. During the 2022 elections, these outlets considered his reelection bid a high-profile race.[34] Levin voted for the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, the largest climate policy ever passed by Congress.[35]
Levin has expressed support for the Green New Deal, a comprehensive plan to address climate change.[36]
Levin supported the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.[37]
Infrastructure
Levin supported the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, a bill to address the country's infrastructure needs through investments in rebuilding and modernization.[38] The legislation also funds new initiatives aimed at enhancing the resilience of infrastructure against the effects of climate change and expanding the reach of broadband infrastructure. It passed with bipartisan support.[39]
Levin is a proponent of moving the Pacific Surfliner railway line, which runs along the coastal bluffs of Del Mar, to a safer location.[40] He is actively pushing for additional Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funding to be allocated for a rail tunnel under Del Mar, with the goal of completing the project by 2035.[41]
Gun policy
In 2022, Levin voted for H.R. 1808: Assault Weapons Ban of 2022, aimed at banning the sale and distribution of certain types of firearms.[42][43] He also supported the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which was passed and signed into law, a comprehensive bill aimed at strengthening gun safety regulations. This bill was widely recognized as a significant step forward in addressing gun violence, with CNN calling it "the most significant new federal gun safety measure in decades."[44][45]
Voting rights
Levin voted for the For the People Act, a bill intended to expand voting rights.[46][47]
Personal life
Levin lives in San Juan Capistrano with his wife, Chrissy, and their two children.[2][48]
Electoral history
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Mike Levin | 166,453 | 56.4 | ||
| Republican | Diane Harkey | 128,577 | 43.6 | ||
| Total votes | 295,030 | 100.0 | |||
| Democratic gain from Republican | |||||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Mike Levin (incumbent) | 205,349 | 53.1 | |
| Republican | Brian Maryott | 181,157 | 46.9 | |
| Total votes | 386,506 | 100.0 | ||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Mike Levin (incumbent) | 151,276 | 52.6 | |
| Republican | Brian Maryott | 136,493 | 47.4 | |
| Total votes | 287,769 | 100.0 | ||
See also
References
- ^ "Mike Levin". Ballotpedia. Retrieved June 16, 2018.
- ^ a b Wisckol, Martin (March 9, 2017). "Democratic activist Mike Levin joins race against Rep. Darrell Issa". Orange County Register. Retrieved September 23, 2018.
- ^ Levin, Mike. "About Me". Mike Levin for Congress. Retrieved June 25, 2018.
- ^ Staggs, Brooke (October 16, 2020). "Democrat Mike Levin and Republican Brian Maryott battle gently for 49th District House race". The Orange County Register. Retrieved November 14, 2021.
- ^ "No Gambler: An Interview With Congressman Mike Levin | SD JEWISH JOURNAL". sdjewishjournal.com. January 2, 2019. Retrieved January 9, 2020.
- ^ Brown, Alice (April 18, 2000). "Levin and Mills reflect on past year's accomplishments, regrets". The Stanford Daily. Retrieved June 25, 2018.
- ^ Hsu, Tiffany (November 18, 2010). "Orange County hits pay dirt with clean-tech industry". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved June 25, 2018.
- ^ "40 Under 40". Retrieved June 25, 2018.
- ^ a b Levin, Mike. "Proposed Carlsbad Energy Plant Contradicts State Priorities". Center for Sustainable Energy. Retrieved June 25, 2018.
- ^ Levin, Mike (March 19, 2010). "Congressional Inaction Is Cleantech's Biggest Stumbling Block". Environmental Protection Online. Retrieved June 25, 2018.
- ^ a b c Quach, Hoa (March 8, 2017). "OC Attorney to Challenge Rep. Darrell Issa in 2018". Times of San Diego. Retrieved June 25, 2018.
- ^ Johnson, Ted (August 23, 2016). "Hillary Clinton Continues Fundraising Swing at Home of Justin Timberlake, Jessica Biel". Variety. Retrieved June 25, 2018.
- ^ Strause, Jackie (August 2, 2016). "Hillary Clinton's Stop at Leonardo DiCaprio's House Highlights Two-Day, Big-Bucks Hollywood Fundraising Tour". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved June 25, 2018.
- ^ Bellantoni, Christina (August 3, 2016). "Essential Politics: Republican defections and crying babies". Los Angeles Times.
- ^ Combs, Seth. "Mike Levin enters stage left". San Diego City Beat. Retrieved September 22, 2018.
- ^ Black, Lisa (March 13, 2017). "Congressman Darrell Issa Finally Agreed to Two Town Halls that Went Badly For Him". OC Weekly. Retrieved June 25, 2018.
- ^ Mai-Duc, Christine; Wire, Sarah (January 10, 2018). "Issa becomes second California Republican to announce retirement as Democrats look to reclaim House". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved June 25, 2018.
- ^ "49th Congressional District candidate Mike Levin on the issues". San Diego Union-Tribune. May 17, 2018. Retrieved March 10, 2021.
- ^ "California's 49th Congressional District election, 2018". Ballotpedia. Retrieved June 25, 2018.
- ^ Heller, Nathan (June 4, 2018). "A Tight, Chaotic Primary Race in California's Forty-Ninth District". The New Yorker. Retrieved June 25, 2018.
- ^ Bowman, Bridget (June 1, 2018). "Democratic Poll: Mike Levin Ahead in California's 49th District". Roll Call. Retrieved June 25, 2018.
- ^ JENNEWEIN, CHRIS (August 2, 2018). "President Obama Endorses Levin, Campa-Najjar in San Diego House Districts". Times of San Diego. Retrieved September 23, 2018.
- ^ "California's 49th Congressional District election, 2020". Ballotpedia. Retrieved December 6, 2022.
- ^ "Democratic Rep. Mike Levin holds on to his coastal Southern California district seat". Los Angeles Times. November 17, 2022. Retrieved December 6, 2022.
- ^ Bycoffe, Anna Wiederkehr and Aaron (April 22, 2021). "Does Your Member Of Congress Vote With Or Against Biden?". FiveThirtyEight. Retrieved October 10, 2022.
- ^ "Mike Levin". Clerk of the United States House of Representatives. Retrieved May 1, 2023.
- ^ "Caucus Members". Congressional Progressive Caucus. Retrieved March 29, 2021.
- ^ "Committees and Caucuses". Representative Mike Levin. December 13, 2012. Retrieved July 12, 2019.
- ^ "10 Years After Disastrous Citizens United Decision, Rose, Porter, Freshmen Dems Launch New 'End Corruption' Caucus". U.S. Congressman Max Rose. January 16, 2020. Retrieved March 6, 2020.
- ^ "Members". House Pro Choice Caucus. August 19, 2021.
- ^ "Mike Levin". SBA Pro-Life America. Retrieved June 29, 2022.
- ^ "Mike Levin". NARAL Pro-Choice America. Retrieved June 29, 2022.
- ^ "Column: Levin stresses abortion rights, Maryott focuses on inflation as House race heats up". San Diego Union-Tribune. September 25, 2022. Retrieved October 11, 2022.
- ^ Cahlink, George (September 30, 2022). "32 House races to watch on energy and environment". E&E News. Retrieved October 11, 2022.
- ^ Newburger, Emma. "Inflation Reduction Act could curb climate damages by up to $1.9 trillion, White House says". CNBC. Retrieved October 11, 2022.
- ^ "Rep. Mike Levin on why the Green New Deal is so important".
- ^ "Biden's $430B Inflation Reduction Bill Passes House with Help from San Diego Democrats". Times of San Diego. August 13, 2022. Retrieved October 11, 2022.
- ^ McGill, Margaret Harding (November 8, 2021). "Infrastructure bill includes billions for broadband". Axios. Retrieved January 28, 2023.
- ^ Cochrane, Emily (August 10, 2021). "Senate Passes $1 Trillion Infrastructure Bill, Handing Biden a Bipartisan Win". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved October 11, 2022.
- ^ Slane, Bill (August 18, 2021). "The Coast News Group". The Coast News Group. Retrieved October 11, 2022.
- ^ Place, Laura (October 26, 2022). "The Coast News Group". The Coast News Group. Retrieved October 27, 2022.
- ^ McKend, Daniella Diaz,Annie Grayer,Eva (July 29, 2022). "House passes assault-style weapons ban | CNN Politics". CNN.
- ^ "H.R. 1808: Assault Weapons Ban of 2022 -- House Vote #410 -- Jul 29, 2022". GovTrack.us.
- ^ Fox, Lauren (June 22, 2022). "Here's what's in the bipartisan gun safety bill | CNN Politics". CNN. Retrieved October 11, 2022.
- ^ "FINAL VOTE RESULTS FOR ROLL CALL 299". United States Congress. June 24, 2022. Retrieved October 10, 2022.
- ^ "H.R.1 - For the People Act of 2021". United States Congress. Retrieved October 10, 2022.
- ^ "FINAL VOTE RESULTS FOR ROLL CALL 118". United States Congress. Retrieved October 10, 2022.
- ^ "Mike Levin" (PDF). Orange County Registrar of Voters. Retrieved September 23, 2018.
- ^ "General Election – Statement of Vote, November 6, 2018 — United States Representative in Congress by District" (PDF). Sos.ca.gov. California Secretary of State. p. 5. Retrieved January 17, 2019.
- ^ "Mike Levin".
- ^ "Mike Levin".
External links
- Congressman Mike Levin official U.S. House website
- Mike Levin for Congress campaign website
- Appearances on C-SPAN
- Biography at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
- Financial information (federal office) at the Federal Election Commission
- Legislation sponsored at the Library of Congress
- Profile at Vote Smart