MEET
Brian Maienschein
Brian grew up in San Diego County and has been a leading voice for our region, fighting for safe communities, addressing health care needs, supporting small businesses, expanding workers’ rights, protecting our environment and defending Planned Parenthood. Brian has secured millions of dollars in funding for San Diego County to improve local parks, expand health services, support community patrols and renovate senior centers.
Having spent nearly 15 years as a single dad, Brian understands the pressures families face. Brian has a strong record of opposing new and higher taxes. He has worked to promote economic growth and protect jobs. He was named a Tech Champion by TechAmerica for his work to promote San Diego’s technology industry. He also received the Assembly Small Business Leadership Award from the California Small Business Association and the Board of the California Small Business Roundtable in recognition of his commitment to small business.
Prior to the Assembly, Brian served as the San Diego Commissioner on Homelessness. Brian created Project 25, an innovative pilot program for people experiencing homelessness coupling permanent housing with intensive individualized support. The program was effective in getting people off the street into housing, saved the taxpayers millions annually and received numerous awards for its success.
Brian also served two terms on the San Diego City Council. He spearheaded the development and opening of State Route 56 and led numerous infrastructure improvements throughout the City of San Diego. He also preserved over 11,000 acres in the San Pasqual Valley from development.
After the devastating Cedar and Witch Creek wildfires, Brian led the recovery and rebuilding efforts. He created a one-stop disaster hub for victims that served as a national model for disaster response, uniting government agencies and services to support those impacted by fires.
Before running for City Council, Brian helped develop San Diego’s Community Youth Court, bringing together community service agencies, schools and law enforcement to provide intervention and help youth in crisis. He served as the Community Youth Court’s Executive Director and received the District Attorney’s Crime Victims’ Rights Award for the program’s success.
Brian attended elementary, middle and high school in the district. He graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara, before returning to San Diego, where he earned a law degree from California Western Law School. Brian lives in the 76th Assembly District with his wife, Elly, and daughters, Taylin and Brenna, who are his proudest accomplishments.
Awards
Clean Money Champion
from the California Clean Money Action Fund for his record of standing up to special interests
Guardian of Small Business
from the United Way of California for his exceptional service to California’s children and families
Maternal Mental Health Champion
from Maternal Mental Health Now for his work on Maternal Mental Health Legislation
Reproductive Health Care Champion
from Planned Parenthood for his 100% Planned Parenthood Legislative Voting Record
Rare Voice Award
from Rare Disease Legislative Advocates for his outstanding advocacy for the rare disease community
Humane Hero Compassion Award
from San Diego Humane Society for supporting animal friendly legislation
California Housing Hall of Fame
from California Housing Consortium for his work fostering the creation of affordable housing
Legislative Champion Award
from March of Dimes for leadership in improving the health of women, children and infants in California
Legislator of the Year
from California Collaboration for Youth for authoring legislation to protect children
Assembly Advocate Award
from Easter Seals California for his work on behalf of children and adults with disabilities
Housing Package Award
from Habitat for Humanity California for his work on affordable housing
Live United Award
from the United Way of California for his exceptional service to California’s children and families
Accomplishments
Secured funding for a pilot project with Rady Children’s Hospital and Genomics Institute to provide genomics testing for babies with rare diseases
Created Project 25 which saved the San Diego taxpayers millions of dollars by getting homeless individuals off the street and into housing with supportive services
Brought more than half a million dollars to Feeding San Diego and the San Diego Food Bank to
help their response to the Covid-19 Pandemic
Worked across party lines to preserve access to Medi-Cal
Spearheaded the development of State Route 56
Fought for state funding to expand Denti-Cal and provide dental insurance to more Californians
Endorsements
Planned Parenthood Action fund of the Pacific Southwest
“Brian has a 100% voting record with Planned Parenthood.”
-Jodi Hicks- CEO, Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California
San Diego police officers association
“Brian Maienschein has been a fierce advocate for crime victims and a staunch supporter of law enforcement.”
-Jared Wilson-President, San Diego Police Officers Association
Deputy Sheriffs’ Association of San Diego County
“Brian Maienschein has always been there to protect our community.”
-David Leonhardi-President, Deputy Sheriffs’ Association of San Diego County
California Association of Highway Patrolmen
“Brian has increased funding for law enforcement and supports our work.”
-Rick LaBeske-President, California Association of Highway Patrolmen
California Professional Firefighters
“Brian makes sure we have what we need to prevent and to fight wildfires.”
-Brian K. Rice- President, California Professional Firefighters
California Police Chiefs Association
California Teachers Association
Peace Officers Research Association of California
California Statewide Law Enforcement Association
Equality California
California Nurses Association
United Nurses Association of California
California Medical Association
American College of Emergency Physicians-California Chapter
*Partial List