Mike Murphy
Candidate for Assembly District 27
Mike Murphy grew up in Merced, in California's Central Valley. He went to local public schools. He later earned a law degree from Georgetown University Law Center. He later practiced law, advising small businesses. He returned to the Central Valley in the late 2000s. His campaign says he served two terms as mayor of Merced. It also says the city created a budget surplus during his tenure. His campaign also says he led work on public safety, drinking water, and safe school routes. Murphy now works as a business attorney. His campaign says he advises small businesses on significant deals. He is also a senior fellow with the American Leadership Forum, a nonprofit that trains leaders. He is running for the open California State Assembly District 27 seat in 2026. The seat is open; incumbent Esmeralda Soria is not on the ballot for it. Murphy advanced from the June 2, 2026 primary with 31,802 votes (43.4%), the most of three candidates, in the certified count. He faces Democrat Brian Pacheco. Their general election is in November. Home: Merced, California. Occupation: He works as a business attorney and a senior fellow with the American Leadership Forum. Prior office / incumbency: Former Mayor of Merced, two terms. He is not currently an incumbent of the Assembly seat.
On the issues
- Economy & Jobs
Murphy says he is committed to creating economic opportunities for all in the Central Valley, though he has not detailed specific jobs, wage, labor, or business-regulation policy.
Source → - Taxes & Cost of Living
Murphy says he is committed to reducing the cost of living for families and to cutting government regulatory burden ("red tape"), though he has not detailed specific tax or spending proposals.
Source → - Public Safety & Policing
Murphy says keeping communities safe is a top priority and cites having "improved public safety readiness and response" as mayor of Merced, though he has not stated specific positions on police funding levels, oversight/accountability policy, or gun legislation.
Source → - Education & Schools
Murphy cites having developed safe routes to school and increased higher-education opportunities in the Central Valley as mayor, but has not stated specific positions on K-12 funding/governance, curriculum, school choice/charters, or teacher pay.
Source → - Water & Natural Resources
Murphy says protecting the Central Valley's water supply is a top priority and cites having ensured clean drinking water for all Merced residents as mayor, though he has not detailed specific groundwater management, water-rights, or infrastructure proposals.
Source → - Government, Elections & Democracy
Murphy says he is committed to "being held to account as a leader" and cites reducing government regulation as mayor, but has not stated specific positions on voting access, redistricting, or campaign finance.
Source →
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