Asm. Devon Mathis (R–Porterville) announced Monday that he intends to retire from the Legislature at the end of his term, leaving the Assembly after 10 years.
He will leave Sacramento early, since he would still have two years before he is termed out of office.
The backstory: Mathis served in the Army National Guard for 12 years, including a tour in Iraq where he was wounded by an IED.
- Following his military service, he was elected to the Assembly for the first time in 2014, starting a political career that would see him represent parts of Tulare, Kings and Fresno Counties for the next decade in the 26th and 33rd districts.
Driving the news: Mathis issued a statement on Monday announcing his retirement, saying he is looking forward to spending more time with his family.
- He plans to continue working on projects that will benefit the Valley, saying he will release more information of his future at a later date.
- Some of his legislative highlights include bills that increase CEQA exemptions for development, ensuring the 988 Suicide Hotline can better address veterans’ suicides and expanding STEM opportunities for underrepresented students.
- During his time in office he served in Assembly Republican Leadership as Caucus Whip and as Chair of Caucus Operations.
The big picture: Mathis’ exit amid the filing period for the 2024 election leaves open a district where Republicans hold a narrow 3-point registration edge but has largely over-performed to the benefit of the GOP.
- The district spans from southern Fresno County and encapsulates all of Kings County, and takes vast swaths of territory in Tulare County including portions of Visalia, Tulare, and Porterville.
What they’re saying: “As the Assemblyman of a very overlooked area, I have spent my tenure working to get the much-needed resources to people, families, and communities I represent,” Mathisi said. “I’ve prided myself on doing the work for the people to put ‘People Over Politics’ and have worked behind the scenes on every major deal that’s been through the legislature. I will never forget late nights working with Gov. Jerry Brown and other Leaders to meet key Legislative deadlines.”
- Mathis thanked his constituents for placing their trust in him for a decade.
- “I also want to thank everyone who worked with me and my team over these years,” Mathis said. “The Valley is a better place because of your hard work and dedication. It has been the honor of a lifetime to have been able to serve you all these years. I look forward to continuing to serve the Valley and our Communities in a different capacity in the years to come.”
