Senate President pro Tempore Darrell Steinberg

Senate President pro Tempore Darrell Steinberg
Name	Darrell Steinberg
Office	President pro Tempore of the California State Senate
Term start	March 21, 2018
Predecessor	Kevin de León
Birth date	21 October 1959
Birth place	Seattle, Washington (raised in San Francisco)
Party	Democratic Party
Spouse	Giana Hernandez
Alma mater	University of California, Davis; University of California College of the Law, San Francisco (formerly UC Hastings College of the Law)

Senate President pro Tempore Darrell Steinberg is an American Democratic legislator and civic leader who serves as President pro Tempore of the California State Senate. A former mayor of Sacramento, Steinberg's career spans municipal leadership, state legislative reform, and national advocacy through organizations such as the National League of Cities and the US Conference of Mayors. His work intersects with high-profile figures and institutions including Jerry Brown, Gavin Newsom, Kamala Harris, Nancy Pelosi, and policy arenas like criminal justice reform and mental health advocacy.

Early life and education

Born in Seattle and raised in San Francisco, Steinberg attended public schools before enrolling at the University of California, Davis, where he earned a degree in political science and participated in student government alongside peers who later entered public service. He continued legal studies at University of California College of the Law, San Francisco (formerly UC Hastings College of the Law), where he developed connections with future California Legislature members and legal professionals active in California Public Utilities Commission and municipal law. During this period Steinberg engaged with advocacy networks connected to organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union and the California Teachers Association.

Early political career and Sacramento mayoralty

Steinberg began his political career on the Sacramento City Council, collaborating with leaders in Sacramento County and officials from the California State Assembly to address local issues. He was elected mayor of Sacramento in 1999, succeeding Jimmie R. Yee in a municipal transfer of power that involved coordination with the Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and agencies such as the Sacramento Regional Transit District. As mayor he worked with figures like Arnold Schwarzenegger's administration on regional grants, engaged with federal representatives including Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer, and hosted visits by Bill Clinton and policy delegations from the United Nations and the World Bank focused on urban development.

California State Senate tenure

After leaving the mayoralty, Steinberg served in the California State Assembly before winning election to the California State Senate in 2008, representing parts of Sacramento County and neighboring communities. In the Senate he collaborated with colleagues including Leland Yee, Mark Leno, Lois Wolk, Kevin de León, and Hannah-Beth Jackson on budget, health, and public safety legislation. Steinberg's committee assignments connected him to policy arenas overseen by the California Department of Health Care Services, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and the California State Auditor, and he negotiated budget deals with governors such as Jerry Brown and Gavin Newsom while interacting with legislative leaders like Anthony Rendon and national figures including Chuck Schumer.

Role as Senate President pro Tempore

Elected Senate President pro Tempore in 2018 after a caucus leadership transition involving Kevin de León and Toni Atkins, Steinberg became one of the most influential state legislative leaders in the nation, guiding the California State Senate through high-profile policy responses to crises involving the COVID-19 pandemic, wildfires affecting Sierra Nevada communities, and budgetary negotiations with the California Department of Finance. In this role he has worked closely with governors Jerry Brown (late term), Gavin Newsom, and other statewide officers such as Eleni Kounalakis and engaged with federal officials from the Department of Health and Human Services and the Federal Emergency Management Agency during emergencies and policy implementation.

Legislative priorities and major initiatives

Steinberg has prioritized mental health reform through legislation such as initiatives aligned with advocates including the Stepping Up initiative, criminal justice reform in dialogue with groups like the MacArthur Foundation’s Safety and Justice Challenge, homelessness policy in coordination with the California Homeless Coordinating and Financing Council, and public safety measures that intersect with the work of the Los Angeles Police Department and county sheriffs across California counties. He authored and sponsored bills addressing behavioral health and community-based care that required interactions with the California Health and Human Services Agency, the Department of State Hospitals, and non-profit providers such as Mental Health America and the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Steinberg also played a central role in budget negotiations that reshaped allocations to the California Community Colleges, the University of California system, and the California State University system, and supported climate resilience measures influenced by organizations like the Sierra Club and the California Coastal Commission.

Political positions and endorsements

A prominent figure in the Democratic establishment, Steinberg endorsed national candidates including Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, and worked within coalitions that included partners such as Emily's List, the California Democratic Party, and labor unions like the California Nurses Association and the Service Employees International Union. His policy stances align with progressive priorities on mental health and criminal justice reform while maintaining working relationships with moderates and governors across the state, engaging with policy think tanks such as the Public Policy Institute of California and advocacy groups including the California Immigrant Policy Center.

Personal life and honors

Steinberg is married to Giana Hernandez and has two children; his personal affiliations include membership or collaboration with civic organizations such as the League of California Cities, the Rotary International, and faith-based community programs in Sacramento. He has received awards and recognitions from institutions like the California State Sheriffs' Association, the California Hospital Association, and philanthropic organizations including the California Wellness Foundation for his work on mental health and urban policy. Steinberg's public profile has led to speaking invitations at venues including Stanford University, the Brookings Institution, and the Commonwealth Club of California.

Category:Members of the California State Senate Category:Mayors of Sacramento, California Category:California Democrats