Democrat Marc Levine represented Marin and Sonoma Counties in the State Assembly from 2012 through 2022. During his tenure, he became known for his fearless commitment to standing up to corporate special interests on behalf of everyday Californians and consumers.
Recognized as an experienced advocate and legislator, The Sacramento Bee wrote that "Levine has a record of pushing difficult legislation." The Los Angeles Times opined that "Levine stands out from the pack." The Marin Independent Journal said "Levine truly understood responsibility of representing us in the Assembly."
From insurance companies, to Big Oil, tech giants, big utilities, and the gun lobby, there has been no special interest or corporate power Marc is afraid to take on. That’s how he’s made real progress for our state.
Standing Up Against Corruption and Dark Money to Restore Faith in Elections and Government
Marc was a leading voice in the legislature against corruption. He fought to increase penalties against public officials who have been convicted of bribery. He fought to make it harder for politicians to use campaign funds to enrich themselves or their families, and helped increase transparency on out-of-state super PACs and corporate funders of big ballot initiatives. And he worked to close loopholes that allow for unlimited, secret contributions to political parties.
Standing up to Insurance Companies to Protect Wildfire Survivors
In the legislature, Marc represented a part of California under constant wildfire threat, so this issue remains personal for him. Marc helped increase transparency on homeowners’ insurance, which is particularly critical for those living in areas vulnerable to wildfire. Marc ensured homeowners are provided with timely estimates about their current property values so they don’t find out they are underinsured following a wildfire. Marc also helped expand insurance flexibility for homeowners seeking to rebuild or buy a home in a different location. And he introduced legislation to lower property insurance rates for communities that invest in wildfire protection.
Standing Up to Healthcare Companies to Protect Affordable Coverage
Marc is a strong supporter of universal healthcare. When Sacramento politicians made empty promises and pushed symbolic “single payer” bills with no plan to actually fund them, Levine introduced real plans to broaden coverage. He drafted historic legislation to tax healthcare companies in order to close a $1.1 billion Medi-Cal funding gap, which would protect 5 million California kids and other vulnerable populations, including people with disabilities.
Standing Up to Big Oil to Protect Our Environment and Working Families
Marc was recognized as one of the top environmental champions in the state legislature. He was one of the first state legislators to call for an investigation into gasoline price gouging which resulted in consumers paying a “hidden surcharge” amounting to an average fee of 20 cents a gallon. He helped place new restrictions on fracking and pushed to develop partnerships with other states to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions. He knows our future can’t depend on a Big Oil economy.
Standing Up to the NRA to Protect Our Communities
Marc has stood up to the gun lobby, even when they try to intimidate him. Marc passed legislation which closed the “bullet button” loophole, which had allowed for gun modifications making it easier to rapidly switch out high capacity magazines. The 2015 San Bernardino shooters used this modification, enabling them to fire more than 100 bullets in less than three minutes, killing 14 people.
Standing Up to Big Tech to Protect Our Privacy
In 2018, Marc was the first California legislator to call for greater regulation of how Big Tech uses our data. And he wrote legislation strengthening California’s data breach notification law to protect consumers, by requiring businesses to notify customers of compromised passport numbers and biometric information. He next authored the law to include genetic information.
Standing Up to Big Utilities to Protect Our Safety
Marc was one of only two members of the entire State Legislature to vote against government bailouts of utility giant PG&E, and the only legislator to speak out publicly against both bailouts. He also led the way on reforms to hold the big utility accountable for their careless accidents that have killed dozens of Californians.
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Marc first ran for State Assembly in 2012 to ensure there was a strong voice for local communities in Sacramento. Despite being outspent 5-to-1 by Sacramento interest groups, Levine was elected in one of the year’s biggest upsets, defeating an insider Sacramento politician who had moved into the district to claim it for himself.
Previously, Marc served on the San Rafael City Council, where he gained a reputation for innovative environmental policies. Before serving in public office, Marc developed award-winning technology for human rights organizations. He earned his Master’s in National Security Affairs from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey. While earning a Bachelor’s Degree at Cal State Northridge, Marc was elected Chair of the California State Student Association, representing over 450,000 students on campuses across California to the State Legislature and Board of Trustees.
Marc and his wife, Wendy, moved to Marin County in 2004 where Wendy was raised and where they are raising their two children who are students at Redwood High School in Larkspur.
