Former California Superior Court Judge Steven Bailey is running to represent District 4 in the State Senate. He joins fellow Republicans George Radanovich, Jeff McKay, Jack Griffith and Jolene Daly, as well as Democrat Tim Robertson.

“I’ve always been a policy-oriented person,” said Bailey. “My approach will be to find solutions that will help the greatest number of people.”

After growing up working on the family farm, Bailey enlisted in the US Marine Corps Reserves. He then went on to graduate from California State University, Sacramento and then served Governor George Deukmejian for nearly eight years as the Deputy Director, Legislation, for the California Department of Social Services.

The three policy priorities Bailey has are public safety, cost of living and forest and watershed management.

“We created a situation where our streets aren’t safe,” said Bailey. “Violence and crime are going up, and we need to make our neighborhoods safe again.”

To address affordable housing Bailey would be “an advocate for reduced regulation.” He understands why some regulation is needed but believes California has too much regulation and “we need to free the private sector.”

Bailey believes his time as a judge helped him prepare for this role, but understands that the role of a legislator is different.

“As a judge you have to handle individual cases and apply the law,” he said. “When you’re a legislator you have to find solutions that impact our citizens, not just individual cases.”

Bailey defended Turlock Unified School District Board Trustee Jeffrey Cortinas earlier this year when the school district presented him with a lawsuit after he refused to wear a mask during board meetings. The lawsuit was later dropped after California announced it will no longer mandate masks in K-12 settings.

In conjunction with his non-profit, California Constitutional Rights Foundation, Bailey’s team has represented businesses and individuals impacted by COVID-19 restrictions.

“Heavy-handed politicians are willing to gamble with people’s lives to further their agenda,” said Bailey. “Fortunately, we have a constitution that protects a person’s fundamental rights. I commend Mr. Cortinas for his courage to take a stand on behalf of Turlock parents and students.”

“I am thankful for Steven Bailey and his team’s work on my behalf,” said Cortinas. “The cost of a frivolous lawsuit against working people like me can bankrupt families. It gave me peace to know Mr. Bailey’s team had my back and that someone was looking out for the little guy.”