Brian Maienschein
 | A major contributor to this article appears to have a close connection with its subject. (June 2022) |
Brian Maienschein | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of the California State Assembly | |
| In office December 3, 2012 – November 30, 2024 | |
| Preceded by | Brian Jones (redistricted) |
| Succeeded by | Darshana Patel |
| Constituency | 77th district (2012–2022) 76th district (2022–2024) |
| Member of San Diego City Council from the 5th district | |
| In office December 2000 – December 2008 | |
| Preceded by | Barbara Warden |
| Succeeded by | Carl DeMaio |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 22, 1969 Independence, Missouri, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic (2019–present) |
| Other political affiliations | Republican (before 2019)[1][2] |
| Spouse | Elly Maienschein |
| Children | 2 |
| Residence(s) | San Diego, California |
| Alma mater | University of California, Santa Barbara California Western School of Law |
Brian Maienschein (born May 22, 1969) is an American attorney and politician who served in the California State Assembly from 2012 to 2024, representing the 76th district, which encompasses parts of northeastern San Diego. Initially elected as a Republican, Maienschein switched to the Democratic Party in 2019, and was re-elected twice as a Democrat. Before serving in the state assembly, he was a member of the San Diego City Council, and the city's first Commissioner on Homelessness.
Early life and education
[edit]Maienschein graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 1991 with a bachelor of arts degree in communications.[3] He returned to San Diego to attend California Western School of Law. He clerked for Judge Norbert Ehrenfreud focusing on the mental health calendar in San Diego.[4] Maienschein also teaches a course on Election Law at USD School of Law.[5]
Career
[edit]After passing the bar, Maienschein worked as a business attorney in private practice and became actively engaged with the community. Maienschein helped develop San Diego's Community Youth Court, bringing together community service agencies, schools, and law enforcement to provide intervention and help first-time juvenile offenders. Maienschein served as the Community Youth Court's Executive Director and received the District Attorney's Crime Victims' Rights Award in 1999. The program has since been transitioned into the San Diego Youth Commission.[6] This program is made up of appointees aged 14 to 22 who meet to confer on issues relating to youth in San Diego County, and report their findings and recommendations to the Mayor.
At age 29, Maienschein decided to run for San Diego City Council. In preparation for his campaign, Maienschein walked each precinct of District 5 twice, knocking on doors and engaging with constituents.
San Diego City Council
[edit]Maienschein was elected to the San Diego City Council in November 2000 with 63% of the vote, the most ever received by a non-incumbent, and was re-elected without opposition in 2004.
During his two terms on the City Council, Brian secured the opening of State Route 56 and led numerous infrastructure improvements throughout the City of San Diego. He also preserved over 11,000 acres in the San Pasqual Valley from development.
In 2003 and 2007, wildfires swept through the district, devastating homes and businesses. Maienschein walked the burned-out neighborhood streets himself before constituents were allowed to return, developing a list of homes and businesses that had been destroyed.[7] In response to the fires, Maienschein created a one-stop disaster hub for victims to support and streamline rebuilding efforts, bringing together the all the government agencies and services for those impacted by fires.[8][9] The plan and programs Maienschein created are still national models for disaster response.[10]
Homelessness Commissioner
[edit]On January 5, 2009, the United Way appointed Maienschein as San Diego's first "Commissioner of the Plan to End Chronic Homelessness" (also called the Homelessness Commissioner).[11] In that role, Maienschein created Project 25, an innovative pilot program for people experiencing homelessness coupling permanent housing with intensive individualized support, including a medical home. The program's mission was to show how housing and medical care, when delivered in concert, could improve health and housing outcomes for vulnerable people while reducing costs.[12]
Leading both the fundraising and coordination efforts, Maienschein worked with more than 20 organizations including the United Way, St. Vincent de Paul, the San Diego Housing Commission, the County of San Diego, the City of San Diego, and area hospitals, among others.[13]
Project 25 launched in 2011, serving 35 individuals experiencing homelessness who had been identified as the most frequent users of public services, including emergency rooms, hospitals, jails, and ambulances.[14] Before the end of the program's first year, all 35 individuals in the program were housed in apartments and were receiving comprehensive wrap-around services.
A 2015 study by the Fermanian Business & Economic Institute at Point Loma Nazarene University summarized the program's outcomes. "The results are impressive … In addition to significant decreases in public costs and service utilization, Project 25 also helped people become more independent, including helping them secure their own income."
Two years after the conclusion of the pilot in 2015, all Project 25 participants were still participating in the program and were housed in their own apartments, had acquired health care insurance, and were receiving health care on an ongoing basis.
California State Assembly
[edit]In 2011, Maienschein announced he would run for the 77th District seat in the California State Assembly. He was elected on November 6, 2012, with more than 60% of the vote, and was sworn in on December 3, 2012. Maienschein served as Vice Chair of both the Health and Human Services Committees. In addition, Maienschein served on the Housing, Judiciary, and Business, Professions, and Consumer Protection Committees.
Maienschein was reelected in 2014, winning more than 65% in the primary election and then 70% of the vote in the general election on November 4, 2014. In 2015, Maienschein was named the Chair of the Assembly Local Government Committee – the only Republican appointed to lead a committee in the California legislature.[15] In addition to chairing the Local Government Committee, Maienschein served again as vice-chair of the Health and Human Services Committees, as well as serving on the Housing, Judiciary and Business, Professions and Consumer Protection Committees. After the term, Maienschein had 25 bills signed into law – the most bills amongst the San Diego delegation.
In 2016, Maienschein was re-elected to his third term in the California State Assembly. During the two-year term, Maienschein served as vice-chair of the Health Committee and served on the Housing and Community Development, Judiciary, and Government Organization Committees. This year, Maienschein was the lead Republican negotiator in renewing the Managed Care Organization (MCO) tax, which helped save Medi-Cal.[16]
Maienschein was re-elected on November 6, 2018, by 607 votes. On January 24, 2019, Maienschein announced he switched his political party affiliation to the Democratic party.[17][18] Maienschein penned an op-ed in the San Diego Union-Tribune explaining the switch.[19]
Maienschein was reelected to the California State Assembly on November 3, 2020. He was narrowly reelected in 2022. He serves on the Communications and Conveyance, Health, Judiciary, and Rules Committees.
The California state legislature allows members to serve a maximum of 12 years.[20] As such, Maienschein cannot run again in 2024.
City Attorney
[edit]Maienschein ran an unsuccessful campaign for San Diego City Attorney in 2024. He lost to Chief Deputy City Attorney Heather Ferbert.
Legislation
[edit]Maienschein has been a strong advocate for child safety laws. In 2014, Maienschein passed AB 230, which requires youth sports leagues to disclose their background check policies to parents and whether or not they include federal and state-level criminal histories.[21]
Assembly District 77 has a large Navy population, and Maienschein has made it a priority to advocate for the families of active and retired service members. In 2013, Maienschein introduced AB 186, which made it easier for military spouses to obtain a temporary professional or vocational license, allowing them to find work and support their families while stationed in California.[22]
In 2018, Maienschein's AB 2193 was signed into law, requiring obstetric providers including OB/GYNs, family practice providers, and nurse practitioners to either confirm screening has occurred or screen for maternal mental health disorders at least once during the perinatal period. AB 2193 also requires health plans and health insurers to create programs to address these maternal mental health disorders.[23]
Also in 2018, Maienschein took action to expand protections against human trafficking. AB 2105 allows courts to triple any fine, add a civil penalty, or damage award regarding the purchase of sex from a minor.[24]
Maienschein addressed California's housing crisis in 2019 by authoring AB 960. This bill allows CalWORKS recipients to use housing assistance vouchers in a shared housing setting, such as staying with family and friends, rather than solely at motels and hotels.[25]
In 2019, the community of Poway was devastated by the Poway synagogue shooting, which injured 3 and killed 1. Maienschein responded to this tragedy by authoring AB 1548. This bill established a grant program for nonprofits at high risk of terrorist attacks to access funding for security.[26]
In 2020, Maienschein authored AB 856, which helps active military service members and their families access a broader range of community college courses offered on military bases by waiving open course provisions.[27]
In the fall of 2021, the community of Rancho Bernardo was proposed as the placement for a sexually violent predator (SVP). In joining the community in opposition to the placement, Maienschein found various flaws in the law regarding where an SVP can be placed. In response, Maienschein introduced AB 1641 in 2022, which placed restrictions on where an SVP can be housed in a community.[28] However, the bill was heavily amended before passage, and the final version only required GPS monitoring of sexually violent predators until they are legally discharged.[29]
As of 2021, Maienschein has authored 107 bills into law.
Personal life
[edit]Maienschein lives in San Diego with his wife, Elly, and daughters, Taylin and Brenna. He also teaches election law at the University of San Diego School of Law.
Electoral history
[edit]2014 California State Assembly
[edit]| Primary election | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
| Republican | Brian Maienschein (incumbent) | 57,147 | 70.6 | |
| Democratic | Ruben "RJ" Hernandez | 23,821 | 29.4 | |
| Total votes | 80,968 | 100.0 | ||
| General election | ||||
| Republican | Brian Maienschein (incumbent) | 82,987 | 65.8 | |
| Democratic | Ruben "RJ" Hernandez | 43,038 | 34.2 | |
| Total votes | 126,025 | 100.0 | ||
| Republican hold | ||||
2016 California State Assembly
[edit]2018 California State Assembly
[edit]| Primary election | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
| Republican | Brian Maienschein (incumbent) | 63,269 | 56.1 | |
| Democratic | Sunday Gover | 49,554 | 43.9 | |
| Total votes | 112,823 | 100.0 | ||
| General election | ||||
| Republican | Brian Maienschein (incumbent) | 99,880 | 50.2 | |
| Democratic | Sunday Gover | 99,273 | 49.8 | |
| Total votes | 199,153 | 100.0 | ||
| Republican hold | ||||
2020 California State Assembly
[edit]| Primary election | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
| Democratic | Brian Maienschein (incumbent) | 86,998 | 57.5 | |
| Republican | June Yang Cutter | 64,384 | 42.5 | |
| Total votes | 151,382 | 100.0 | ||
| General election | ||||
| Democratic | Brian Maienschein (incumbent) | 149,367 | 55.8 | |
| Republican | June Yang Cutter | 118,396 | 44.2 | |
| Total votes | 267,763 | 100.0 | ||
| Democratic hold | ||||
2022 California State Assembly
[edit]| Primary election | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
| Democratic | Brian Maienschein (incumbent) | 48,635 | 49.9 | |
| Republican | Kristie Bruce-Lane | 27,375 | 28.1 | |
| Republican | June Cutter | 21,381 | 22.0 | |
| Total votes | 97,391 | 100.0 | ||
| General election | ||||
| Democratic | Brian Maienschein (incumbent) | 78,895 | 51.6 | |
| Republican | Kristie Bruce-Lane | 73,944 | 48.4 | |
| Total votes | 152,839 | 100.0 | ||
| Democratic hold | ||||
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Assemblyman Brian Maienschein Switches Parties, From Republican to Democrat". KNSD (NBC San Diego). January 24, 2019.
- ^ "California Republican Party gets even smaller: A GOP lawmaker defects to the Democrats". The Sacramento Bee. January 24, 2019.
- ^ Lowe, Shauntel (September 5, 2012). "Brian Maienschein, Candidate for State Assembly". Patch. Retrieved April 29, 2022.
- ^ "Official biography". California State Assembly. Retrieved January 25, 2019.
- ^ "Biography". Assemblymember Brian Maienschein. June 7, 2016. Retrieved January 30, 2020.
- ^ "OnBoard2 | City of San Diego". onboard.sandiego.gov. Retrieved April 5, 2022.
- ^ "Homes Spared, Lost in Fires' Random Destruction". NPR. Retrieved April 5, 2022.
- ^ "Regional fire assistance center opens". Pomerado News. October 25, 2007. Retrieved April 5, 2022.
- ^ "Witch Creek fire five years later: Recovery, preparation efforts continue". Pomerado News. October 19, 2012. Retrieved April 5, 2022.
- ^ "Fire survivors reunite to mark 10th anniversary". Rancho Bernardo. October 26, 2017. Retrieved April 5, 2022.
- ^ "Maienschein starts new job helping homeless". Pomerado News. January 5, 2009. Retrieved April 5, 2022.
- ^ "Project 25 Report: Housing Homeless Reduces Costs". CSH. June 15, 2015. Retrieved April 5, 2022.
- ^ Green, Catherine (June 6, 2014). "Project 25 Needs a Stable Home in San Diego". Voice of San Diego. Retrieved April 5, 2022.
- ^ "SAN DIEGO: Program launched to identify, house 25 most-costly homeless people". San Diego Union-Tribune. April 21, 2011. Retrieved April 5, 2022.
- ^ "Leadership role ahead for Maienschein". San Diego Union-Tribune. January 5, 2015. Retrieved April 5, 2022.
- ^ Gorn, David (March 1, 2016). "State Legislature Passes New MCO Tax, Rescues Over $1 Billion for Medi-Cal". California Healthline. Retrieved April 5, 2022.
- ^ "San Diego Republican Assemblyman Brian Maienschein switches parties and joins Democrats". Los Angeles Times. January 24, 2019. Retrieved April 5, 2022.
- ^ "Brian Maienschein quits Republican Party, joins Democrats in surprise move". San Diego Union-Tribune. January 24, 2019. Retrieved April 5, 2022.
- ^ "Commentary: Maienschein: Why I switched from GOP to Democratic Party". San Diego Union-Tribune. February 6, 2019. Retrieved April 5, 2022.
- ^ "California Constitution Article IV; Legislative". California Office of Legislative Counsel. Archived from the original on February 23, 2019. Retrieved February 23, 2019.
- ^ "Bill Text - AB-230 Youth athletic programs: background checks". leginfo.legislature.ca.gov. Retrieved April 5, 2022.
- ^ "Bill Text - AB-186 Professions and vocations: military spouses: temporary licenses". leginfo.legislature.ca.gov. Retrieved April 5, 2022.
- ^ "Brian Maienschein - I am pleased to share that my bill regarding Maternal Mental Health disorders, AB 2193, was recently signed by the Governor. This bill ensures that pregnant mothers are screened for maternal mental health disorders during pregnancy visits and postpartum. AB 2193 is a step forward in addressing some of California's major shortcomings when it comes to Maternal Mental Health disorder screening and treatments, improving the health and well-being of women and their families. #MaternalMentalHealthNow | Facebook". www.facebook.com. Retrieved April 5, 2022.
- ^ "Bill Text - AB-2105 Punitive damages: minors". leginfo.legislature.ca.gov. Retrieved April 5, 2022.
- ^ "Bill Text - AB-960 CalWORKs: homeless assistance". leginfo.legislature.ca.gov. Retrieved April 5, 2022.
- ^ "Assemblymember Maienschein introduces bill in response to Chabad of Poway shooting | Assemblymember Brian Maienschein". a77.asmdc.org. Retrieved April 5, 2022.
- ^ "Facebook". www.facebook.com. Retrieved April 5, 2022.
- ^ "Maienschein Introduces Legislation to Limit Community Placements of Sexually Violent Predators | Assemblymember Brian Maienschein". a77.asmdc.org. Retrieved April 5, 2022.
- ^ "AB-1641 Sexually violent predators". leginfo.legislature.ca.gov. Retrieved July 28, 2022.
External links
[edit]
- 1969 births
- Living people
- 21st-century members of the California State Legislature
- American politicians who switched parties
- California Western School of Law alumni
- Democratic Party members of the California State Assembly
- Politicians from Independence, Missouri
- Republican Party members of the California State Assembly
- San Diego City Council members
- University of California, Santa Barbara alumni