Elected Officials

Hon. Dick Ackerman (R)

In May 2004, Senator Dick Ackerman was unanimously elected as the Senate Republican Leader. As a former local government official and small business owner, he is sensitive to the major problems facing Californians. As leader, he will continue fighting the reckless overspending that has led to record deficits. He will also work to return California's educational system to its historic position as the nation's leader in educating our state's children, and will continue pursuing reforms to free California's small businesses from the needless regulations that currently stifle job creation and innovation. In addition, Senator Ackerman will strive to ensure that California's cities and counties regain the flexibility needed to provide for the priorities of their individual communities.

Senator Ackerman has consistently demonstrated leadership during his tenure in the California State Legislature. He has served as Assistant Republican Leader, Republican Caucus Whip, and Vice Chair of the Assembly Natural Resources and Assembly Judiciary committees. In addition, he earned high marks for his years of service as the Vice Chair of the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee. In this capacity, he fought for a streamlined budget process that emphasized accountability and results.

Senator Ackerman, a long-time Southern California resident, has represented Orange County in the state Legislature since his election to the Assembly in 1995. In 2000, he was elected to the State Senate, where he currently serves the 33rd district. Prior to his tenure in the Legislature, Senator Ackerman has a long record of service in local government: He served on the Fullerton City Council for 12 years and spent two terms as Fullerton's mayor.

Senator Ackerman's public service and effective advocacy have been recognized throughout the community. He has received several awards, including the Legislator of the Year Award from the University of California; the Legislator of the Year Award from the California Charter Schools Association; the Distinguished Service Award from the Black Chamber of Commerce of Orange County; the Legislator of the Year Award from the Orange County League of Cities; the Legislator of the Year Award from the Republican Party of Orange County; the Orange County Committee for the Employment of Persons with Disabilities Elected Official of the Year Award; the Fullerton Chamber of Commerce Educator of the Year Award; and the Spotlight Award from the Regional Centers of Orange County for outstanding service to people with developmental disabilities.

Senator Ackerman was born in Long Beach and graduated from Bellflower High School. In 1964, he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics from the University of California at Berkeley. In 1967, he earned his Juris Doctor degree from Hastings School of Law. Dick has practiced law for over 30 years in Orange County and continues his legal career with the prestigious firm of Rutan & Tucker, serving as counsel. Dick and his wife, Linda, have lived in Orange County for over 30 years and have three children and two grandchildren.

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