Senator James Brulte

Senator Jim Brulte was elected Senate Republican Leader in April 2000. A 13-year veteran of the Legislature, Brulte has developed a national reputation as a dynamic leader and has been described as “arguably the most powerful elected Republican in California” (Salon.com), “a Republican Leader respected by Democrats” (San Diego Union Tribune), “a political powerhouse” (Roll Call), and the state’s “most pragmatic and politically savvy Republican” (LA Times).

Senator Brulte is a trusted advisor to President George W. Bush. Senior White House Political Strategist Karl Rove notes that “Brulte is our political brains and insightful wizard in California.” The Sacramento Bee succinctly reports that Brulte is “Bush’s main man in the state.”

With his experience and knowledge of the Capitol, Senator Brulte is “the go-to guy” for Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Since taking office, Governor Schwarzenegger has continuously sought Senator Brulte’s input in dealing with the Legislature.

During his tenure in the Legislature, Brulte has focused his efforts on education, regulatory reform, reducing crime, and common sense legislation to improve California’s business climate. His measures to reform the workers’ compensation and welfare systems have saved billions of dollars for taxpayers and California’s business community.

Additionally, Brulte has been successful in his efforts to provide additional tax relief for senior citizens, increase funding for public safety, and both increasing and equalizing funding for school districts throughout the state.

Brulte is also the Republican expert on fiscal issues and the party’s lead negotiator on the state budget. In 1999, Brulte was the principal architect of the Senate Republican budget proposal, one widely hailed as a “sensible start on a big task” (Oakland Tribune) that “speaks a different lingo more familiar to Democrats … and promise[s] to change the nature of the policy debate in Sacramento” (Sacramento Bee).

In addition to his duties as Republican Leader, Brulte serves as a member of the Governmental Organization, Business & Professions and Transportation committees.

Senator Brulte was born on April 13, 1956 in Glen Cove, New York. His family moved to Ontario in 1960, where he spent his childhood and most of his adult life. In 1974, Brulte enlisted in the California Air National Guard where he was later honored as “Outstanding Airman of the Year” for the United States and its territories. Brulte graduated from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He served on the staff of U.S. Senator S.I. Hayakawa and in the Reagan/Bush Administration.