Kevin Mullin

Kevin Mullin is an American politician currently serving as the U.S. Representative for California's 15th congressional district, a position he has held since January 2023. A member of the Democratic Party, Mullin previously served in the California State Assembly, representing the 22nd district from 2012 to 2022. He has a background in business and local government, having been involved in various capacities before his election to the U.S. House of Representatives.

Early life and career

Kevin Mullin was born on June 15, 1970, in Daly City, California. He received his early education in both public and Catholic elementary schools, ultimately graduating from Junípero Serra High School in 1988. Following high school, Mullin pursued higher education, earning a bachelor's degree in communications from the University of San Francisco in 1992. He furthered his academic credentials by obtaining a master of public administration from San Francisco State University in 1998. In addition to these degrees, Mullin completed an executive leadership program at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government in 2003, which provided him with advanced skills in governance and public policy.

Before entering the political arena, Mullin had a diverse career. He was an entrepreneur and founded KM2 Communications, a multimedia production company based in South San Francisco. His business focused on producing public affairs programming for local television and included hosting various shows on Peninsula-TV Channel 26. Mullin also served as the district director for then-state senator Jackie Speier and worked as a political director for his father, Gene Mullin, who was a state assemblymember.

Mullin's political career began at the local level when he was elected to the South San Francisco City Council in 2007. He served one term on the council and held the position of mayor for one year. During his tenure on the city council, he also represented the cities of San Mateo County on the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, which oversees regional transportation planning and funding.

In 2012, Mullin transitioned to state politics when he was elected to the California State Assembly, representing the 22nd district, which encompasses much of the San Francisco Peninsula. His time in the Assembly was marked by significant leadership roles, including serving as assistant speaker pro tempore during his first term. In 2014, he was appointed speaker pro tempore, a position he held until he left office in 2022. In this role, Mullin presided over Assembly floor sessions and was part of the leadership team under Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon. Notably, he was involved in the passage of Proposition 19, which provided support for fire victims, the elderly, and disabled individuals.

Mullin concluded his service in the California State Assembly on December 5, 2022, when he was succeeded by Diane Papan.

House tenure

Following the retirement of Representative Jackie Speier, Mullin announced his candidacy for California's 15th congressional district in the 2022 election. He successfully won the Democratic primary and subsequently defeated San Mateo County supervisor David Canepa in the general election, securing approximately 55.8% of the vote. His campaign received significant financial support from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), which invested around $600,000 to bolster his candidacy against Canepa.

Mullin was sworn into the U.S. House of Representatives on January 7, 2023, marking the beginning of his first term in Congress. As a freshman representative, he has quickly become involved in various legislative activities and committee assignments.

Legislative focus and committees

During his time in the U.S. House of Representatives, Mullin has been assigned to several important committees that reflect his legislative interests and priorities. For the 118th Congress, he serves on the Committee on Natural Resources, where he is a member of the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources and the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries. Additionally, he is part of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, serving on the Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight and the Subcommittee on Research and Technology.

In the 119th Congress, Mullin's committee assignments shifted to include the Committee on Energy and Commerce. Within this committee, he is involved in the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade, the Subcommittee on Energy, and the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. These committee roles allow him to engage in discussions and policymaking related to energy, commerce, and technological advancements.

Mullin is also a member of various caucuses in Congress, which align with his legislative interests. These include the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, the Congressional Equality Caucus, the New Democrat Coalition, the Congressional Progressive Caucus, and the Congressional Freethought Caucus. He is also part of the Climate Solutions Caucus, the Congressional Caucus for the Equal Rights Amendment, the Black Maternal Health Caucus, and the Rare Disease Caucus. His involvement in these groups indicates a commitment to addressing a wide range of issues, from climate change and equality to healthcare and public health concerns.

Mullin's tenure in Congress has already seen him actively participating in critical votes and legislative discussions. His commitment to his constituents and his background in local and state government provide him with a unique perspective as he navigates the complexities of federal legislation. As he continues his service, Mullin's focus on key issues will likely shape his contributions to the House and the broader legislative landscape.

Mullin is married to Jessica Stanfill Mullin, and they have twin sons. His family life, combined with his extensive political experience, informs his approach to governance and public service.