Mimi Walters

Mimi Walters

Republican Party

Prior offices

Mayor City of Laguna Niguel

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California State Assembly

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California State Senate

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U.S. House California District 45

Successor: Katie Porter

Predecessor: John Campbell

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Report an officeholder change

Elections and appointments

Last election

March 3, 2020

Education

Bachelor's

University of California, Los Angeles, 1984

Personal

Profession

Investment Executive, Drexel, Burnham and Lambert

Contact

Personal Twitter

Mimi Walters (Republican Party) was a member of the U.S. House, representing California's 45th Congressional District. She assumed office on January 3, 2015. She left office on January 3, 2019.

Walters (Republican Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent California's 45th Congressional District. She did not appear on the ballot for the primary on March 3, 2020.

Walters represented California's 45th Congressional District seat in the U.S. House from 2015 to 2019. She is also a former member of the California State Senate, representing District 37 from 2008 to 2014. Prior to joining the state Senate, she was a member of the California State Assembly from 2004-2008.

Biography

Walters earned a B.A. in political science from UCLA in 1984. Her professional experience includes working as an investment advisor at Drexel, Burnham and Lambert.

Walters chaired the Border Police Initiative in Orange County in 2005 and the El Toro Reuse Planning Authority. She gained political experience as the co-chair of the Orange County branch of the Gray Davis recall campaign. In 2006, she was the honorary statewide chair of the Protect Our Homes Coalition, which advocated on behalf of Proposition 90. She has also served as a city council member and mayor in Laguna Niguel.

Career

Below is an abbreviated outline of Walters' academic, professional, and political career:

• 2015-2019: U.S. Representative from California's 45th Congressional District
• 2010: Unsuccessful candidate for California State Treasurer
• 2005-2008: California State Senate
• 2000-2004: Mayor of Laguna Niguel
• 1996-2000: Laguna Niguel, California, City Council
• 1984: Graduated from University of California, Los Angeles, with a B.A.

Elections

2020

See also: California's 45th Congressional District election, 2020

General election

General election for U.S. House California District 45

Incumbent Katie Porter defeated Greg Raths in the general election for U.S. House California District 45 on November 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Katie Porter (D)	53.5	221,843
		Greg Raths (R)	46.5	193,096

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 414,939
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Nonpartisan primary election

Nonpartisan primary for U.S. House California District 45

The following candidates ran in the primary for U.S. House California District 45 on March 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Katie Porter (D)	50.8	112,986
✔		Greg Raths (R)	17.9	39,942
		Don Sedgwick (R)	12.8	28,465
		Peggy Huang (R)	11.1	24,780
		Lisa Sparks (R)	4.0	8,861
		Christopher Gonzales (R)	2.4	5,443
		Rhonda Furin (R)	1.0	2,140

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 222,617
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Brian Forde (D)
• Julie Proctor (R)
• Mimi Walters (R)
• Brenton Woolworth (R)
• Ray Gennawey (R)
• Aditya Pai (D)

2018

See also: California's 45th Congressional District election, 2018

General election

General election for U.S. House California District 45

Katie Porter defeated incumbent Mimi Walters in the general election for U.S. House California District 45 on November 6, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Katie Porter (D)	52.1	158,906
		Mimi Walters (R)	47.9	146,383

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 305,289 (100.00% precincts reporting)
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Nonpartisan primary election

Nonpartisan primary for U.S. House California District 45

The following candidates ran in the primary for U.S. House California District 45 on June 5, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Mimi Walters (R)	51.7	86,764
✔		Katie Porter (D)	20.3	34,078
		Dave Min (D)	17.8	29,979
		Brian Forde (D)	6.0	10,107
		John Graham (Independent)	2.3	3,817
		Kia Hamadanchy (D)	1.9	3,212

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified.	Total votes: 167,957
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Greg Ramsay (D)
• Eric Rywalski (D)
• Ron Varasteh (D)

2016

See also: California's 45th Congressional District election, 2016

Heading into the election, Ballotpedia rated this race as safely Republican. Incumbent Mimi Walters (R) defeated Ron Varasteh (D) in the general election on November 8, 2016. Walters and Varasteh defeated Greg Raths (R) and Max Gouron (D) in the top-two primary on June 7, 2016.

U.S. House, California District 45 General Election, 2016

Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Republican	Mimi Walters Incumbent	58.6%	182,618
	Democratic	Ron Varasteh	41.4%	129,231
Total Votes				311,849
Source: California Secretary of State

U.S. House, California District 45 Primary, 2016

Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Republican	Mimi Walters Incumbent	40.9%	65,773
	Democratic	Ron Varasteh	27.6%	44,449
	Republican	Greg Raths	19.2%	30,961
	Democratic	Max Gouron	12.3%	19,716
Total Votes				160,899
Source: California Secretary of State

2014

See also: California's 45th Congressional District elections, 2014

U.S. House, California District 45 General Election, 2014

Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Republican	Mimi Walters	65.1%	106,083
	Democratic	Drew Leavens	34.9%	56,819
Total Votes				162,902
Source: California Secretary of State

U.S. House, California District 45 Primary, 2014

Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Republican	Mimi Walters	45.1%	39,631
	Democratic	Drew Leavens	28.1%	24,721
	Republican	Greg Raths	24.2%	21,284
	Independent	Al Salehi	2.6%	2,317
Total Votes				87,953
Source: California Secretary of State

2012

See also: California State Senate elections, 2012

California State Senate, District 37, General Election, 2012

Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Republican	Mimi Walters Incumbent	57%	213,086
	Democratic	Steve Young	43%	160,595
Total Votes				373,681

2008

California State Senate, District 33
Candidates		Votes
Mimi Walters (R)		219,068
Gary Pritchard (D)		157,945

Campaign themes

2020

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Mimi Walters did not complete Ballotpedia's 2020 Candidate Connection survey.

2018

Campaign website

Walters' campaign website stated the following:

“	Debt and Taxes Americans are taxed too much and those of us who live in California are hit even harder with high taxes. High taxes make it harder to buy a home, save for college, and plan for retirement. For small businesses, high taxes stifle investment and drive away jobs. In Congress, I am working to reduce taxes on all wage earners and job-creating businesses. Bloated government agencies must learn to operate more like businesses. The debt is a spending problem, not a tax problem. I voted for a balanced budget resolution that forces Washington to live within its means. The budget provides for a strong national defense, repeals Obamacare, strengthens and protects Medicare and Social Security for our seniors, and most importantly, balances in ten years without putting a single cent on the backs of taxpayers My work for taxpayers and fiscally responsible approach to government has earned me the support of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association. Immigration Immigration to the United States, both legal and illegal, has exploded over the last wo decades. According to the Census Bureau, our nation’s immigrant population hit a record 43.7 million in July 2016, an increase of 12.6 million since 2000. About one-quarter of the immigrants living in the U.S. entered the country illegally. To fix the system we need to secure our border to end illegal immigration and rebalance the legal immigration process to favor employment-based visas and immediate family members. We should encourage legal immigrants who desire to make the U.S. their permanent home to find employment, learn English and apply for citizenship. Secure the Border I support securing the border and believe it will take a comprehensive approach. Our nation’s security experts need to decide which approach works in the different terrain along our 2,000 mile southern border. It could include, among the options, physical walls, high tech “virtual walls”, beefed up border patrols by both drones and border patrol officers. Help Dreamers I believe children brought to America illegally through no fault of their own should be allowed to stay, as long as they have not committed a crime. Reform Chain Migration Chain migration needs immediate reform to end abuses. I support legislation to retain immigration preferences only for the for the spouses and minor children of U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents, and to eliminate preferences for the extended family members. End the Diversity Lottery The Diversity Lottery is outdated and plagued with fraud that has resulted in terrorists entering our country. There is no economic or humanitarian justification for continuing the Diversity Lottery. National Security The prior Administration’s failed foreign policies on Iran, North Korea and the war against Islamist terror emboldened the enemies of freedom and democracy and left our allies wondering what happened to the America that was the beacon of strength and liberty for the last 100 years. Defeating ISIS and stopping the spread of Islamist ideology must be our highest priority. The terrorist attacks in Europe and here in the U.S. cannot continue. I support an aggressive frontal approach that seeks out and destroys the terrorists where they live and an American foreign policy that puts the interests of our nation and our allies first. I voted to increase the pay for our troops and to hold bureaucrats accountable for their mistreatment of veterans. The legislation I voted for also improves access to healthcare for our current service members, veterans, and their families and takes several necessary steps to prevent sexual assault in the military by improving the reporting process and enhancing victims’ rights. As the daughter of a U.S. Marine, I will never waiver in my support for the men and women who defend our nation and keep us free.	”
—Mimi Walters' campaign website (2018)

Campaign advertisements

The following is an example of an ad from Walters' 2018 election campaign.

"Mimi Walters for Congress B Roll," released April 18, 2018

2016

The following issues were listed on Walters' campaign website. For a full list of campaign themes, click here.

“	National Security: I support an aggressive frontal approach that seeks out and destroys the terrorists where they live and an American foreign policy that puts the interests of our nation and our allies first. Debt and Taxes: Americans are taxed too much. I am proud to be endorsed by the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association for my steadfast opposition to higher taxes and support for Proposition 13.	”
—Mimi Walters' campaign website, http://www.mimiwalters.com/

2014

Walters' campaign website listed the following issues:

“	Debt & Spending: "America faces a $17 trillion debt, an unsustainable amount. We must face the challenge of reducing spending and debt for the benefit of our nation and future generations of Americans. Debt reduction should start with scaling back the size and scope of the federal government, which has grown too big and too powerful." Taxes: "Taxpayers should not be blamed for the government’s reckless spending. Increasing taxes harms our economy and costs jobs. Throughout my career I have fought to reduce taxes and will continue to do so as a member of Congress. Lower taxes will create more economic growth, which in turn will create more prosperity." Obamacare & Health Care: "The Obama administration’s takeover of our health care system was wrong and I will work to repeal Obamacare and replace it with market-based reforms that protect patient choice, keep costs down and preserve the greatest health system in the world." Jobs & Business: "Small and medium size businesses are the backbone of our economy. They create most of our jobs and help Americans provide for their families." Social Security: "Social Security is more than a government program, it is a bond between the government and its citizens. We must keep our promise to America’s seniors. I will work to preserve the benefits that those at or near retirement have planned their lives around, while also guaranteeing that future generations have the ability to control and plan for their eventual retirements."	”
—Mimi Walters' campaign website, http://mimiwalters.com/issues/

Committee assignments

U.S. House

2017-2018

At the beginning of the 115th Congress, Walters was assigned to the following committees:

• Committee on Energy and Commerce

2015-2016

Walters served on the following committees:

• Judiciary Committee

• Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform, Commercial, and Antitrust Law
• Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet

• Transportation and Infrastructure Committee
  • Subcommittee on Aviation
  • Subcommittee on Highways & Transit
  • Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines & Hazardous Materials

California Senate

2013-2014

At the beginning of the 2013 legislative session, Walters served on the following committees:

2011-2012

In the 2011-2012 legislative session, Walters served on these committees:

2009-2010

In the 2009-2010 legislative session, Walters served on these committees:

California committee assignments, 2009
• Elections, Reapportionment and Constitutional Amendments
• Revenue and Taxation, Vice chair
• Appropriations
• Judiciary
• Business, Professions and Economic Development

Key votes

See also: Key votes

Ballotpedia monitors legislation that receives a vote and highlights the ones that we consider to be key to understanding where elected officials stand on the issues. To read more about how we identify key votes, click here.

Key votes: 115th Congress, 2017-2018

For detailed information about each vote, click here.

• Votes on domestic policy (click to expand)

  Voted Yea on: Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (Conference report) (HR 2)

   Bill Passed (369-47) on December 12, 2018

  Proposed providing funding for commodity support, conservation, trade and international food aid, nutrition assistance, farm credit, rural development, research and extension activities, forestry, horticulture, and crop insurance through fiscal year 2023.

  Voted Yea on: Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (HR 2 (second vote))

   Bill Passed (213-211) on June 21, 2018

  Proposed providing funding for commodity support, conservation, trade and international food aid, nutrition assistance, farm credit, rural development, research and extension activities, forestry, horticulture, and crop insurance. It also proposed modifying the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, previously known as the food stamp program.

  Voted Yea on: Securing America’s Future Act of 2018 (HR 4760)

   Bill Failed (193-231) on June 21, 2018

  Proposed funding a border wall, limiting legal immigration, a mandatory worker verification program, allowing DACA recipients to apply for legal status, and preventing separation of families at the border.

  Voted Yea on: Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (HR 2)

   Bill Passed (369-47) on December 12, 2018

  Reauthorizes through FY2023 and modifies some Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs.

  Voted Yea on: Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (HR 36)

   Bill Passed (237-189) on October 3, 2017

  Proposed amending the federal criminal code to make it a crime for any person to perform or attempt to perform an abortion if the probable post-fertilization age of the fetus was 20 weeks or more. The bill provided exceptions for an abortion: (1) that was necessary to save the life of the pregnant woman, or (2) when the pregnancy was the result of rape or incest.

  Voted Yea on: Kate's Law (HR 3004)

   Bill Passed (257-167) on June 29, 2017

  Proposed increasing criminal penalties for individuals in the country illegally who were convicted of certain crimes, deported, and then re-entered the U.S. illegally.

  Voted Yea on: No Sanctuary for Criminals Act (HR 3003)

   Bill Passed (228-195) on June 29, 2017

  Proposed withholding federal funds from states and localities that chose not to follow federal immigration laws.

  Voted Yea on: American Health Care Act of 2017 (HR 1628)

   Bill passed (217-213) on May 4, 2017

  Proposed modifying the budgetary and fiscal provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare.

• Votes on economic affairs and regulations (click to expand)

  Voted Yea on: Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019 (Conference report) (HR 6157)

   Bill Passed (361-61) on September 26, 2018

  Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor, and Education.

  Voted Yea on: Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2019 (Conference report) (HR 5895)

   Bill Passed (377-20) on September 13, 2018

  Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Department of Energy, water resources, the legislative branch, military construction, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, among other programs.

  Voted Yea on: Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019 (HR 6157)

   Bill Passed (359-49) on June 28, 2018

  Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor, and Education.

  Did not vote on: Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019 (HR 5895)

   Bill Passed (235-179) on June 8, 2018

  Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Department of Energy, water resources, the legislative branch, military construction, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, among other programs.

  Voted Yea on: Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act (S 2155)

   Bill Passed (258-159) on May 22, 2018

  Proposed exempting some banks from the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act

  Voted Yea on: Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1625)

   Bill Passed (256-167) on March 22, 2018

  Proposed providing appropriations for fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes.

  Voted Yea on: The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (HR 1892)

   Bill Passed (240-186) on February 9, 2018

  Proposed providing appropriations through March 23, 2018.

  Voted Yea on: Further Extension Of Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1892)

   Bill Passed (245-182) on February 6, 2018

  Proposed providing appropriations through March 23, 2018.

  Voted Yea on: Making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018, and for other purposes. (HR 195)

   Bill Passed (266-150) on January 22, 2018

  Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through February 8, 2018.

  Voted Yea on: Making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018, and for other purposes. (HR 195)

   Bill Passed (230-197) on January 18, 2018

  Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through February 16, 2018.

  Voted Yea on: Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1370)

   Bill Passed (231-188) on December 21, 2017

  Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through January 19, 2018.

  Voted Yea on: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (HR 1)

   Bill Passed (227-203) on December 19, 2017

  Proposed providing for reconciliation pursuant to titles II and V of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2018.

  Voted Yea on: Making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes (HJ Res 123)

   Bill Passed (235-193) on December 7, 2017

  Proposed funding the government until December 22, 2017.

  Voted Yea on: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (HR 1)

   Bill Passed (227-205) on November 16, 2017

  Proposed amending the Internal Revenue Code to reduce tax rates and modify policies, credits, and deductions for individuals and businesses.

  Voted Yea on: Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2018 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2019 through 2027. (H Con Res 71)

   Bill Passed (216-212) on October 26, 2017

  Proposed establishing the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2018 and setting forth budgetary levels for FY2019-FY2027. (This bill proposed adopting the Senate's budget resolution.)

  Voted Yea on: Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2018 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2019 through 2027. (H Con Res 71)

   Bill Passed (219-206) on October 5, 2017

  Proposed establishing the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2018 and setting forth budgetary levels for FY2019-FY2027.

  
  

  Voted Yea on: Make America Secure and Prosperous Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 3354)

   Bill Passed (211-198) on September 14, 2017

  Proposed providing FY2018 appropriations for the federal government. It combined 12 appropriations bills.

  Voted Yea on: Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2017 (Included amendments to suspend the debt ceiling and fund the government) (HR 601)

   Bill Passed (316-90) on September 8, 2017

  Proposed suspending the debt ceiling and funding the government until December 8, 2017, and providing funding for Hurricanes Harvey and Irma relief efforts.

  Voted Yea on: Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2017 (HR 601)

   Bill Passed (419-3) on September 6, 2017

  Proposed providing $7.85 billion for disaster relief requirements, including response and recovery efforts from Hurricane Harvey.

  Voted Yea on: Financial CHOICE Act of 2017 (HR 10)

   Bill passed (233-186) on June 8, 2017

  Proposed amending the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, among other acts.

  Voted Yea on: Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2017 (HR 244)

   Bill passed (309-118) on May 3, 2017

  Proposed a $1.2 trillion budget to fund the government through the end of the fiscal year on September 30, 2017.

• Votes on foreign policy and national security issues (click to expand)

  Voted Yea on: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (HR 5515)

   Bill Passed (351-66) on May 24, 2018

  Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities

  Voted Yea on: Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 695)

   Bill Passed (250-166) on January 30, 2018

  Proposed providing appropriations for military functions administered by the Department of Defense and for other purposes, for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018.

  
  

  Voted Yea on: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018—Conference report (HR 2810)

   Bill Passed (356-70) on November 14, 2017

  Proposed authorizing FY2018 appropriations and setting forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths.

  Voted Yea on: Make America Secure Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 3219)

   Bill Passed (235-192) on July 27, 2017

  Proposed making appropriations for defense, military construction, Veterans Affairs, the Legislative Branch, energy and water development, and for other purposes for the fiscal year ending on September 30, 2018.

  Voted Yea on: Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (HR 3364)

   Bill Passed (419-3) on July 25, 2017

  Proposed providing congressional review and measures to counter aggression by the governments of Iran, the Russian Federation, and North Korea, and for other purposes.

  Voted Yea on: Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 3180, second vote)

   Bill Passed (380-35) on July 28, 2017

  Proposed authorizing appropriations for fiscal year 2018 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes.

  Voted Yea on: Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 3180)

   Bill Failed (241-163) on July 24, 2017

  Proposed authorizing appropriations for fiscal year 2018 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes.

  Voted Yea on: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 2810)

   Bill Passed (344-81) on July 14, 2017

  Proposed authorizing fiscal year 2018 appropriations and setting forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. It did not provide budget authority.

  Voted Yea on: Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2017 (HR 1301)

   Bill passed (371-48) on March 8, 2017

  The $577.9 billion fiscal year 2017 defense spending bill proposed $516.1 billion in base budget funding and $61.8 billion for Overseas Contingency Operations/ Global War on Terrorism funding.

Key votes: Previous sessions of Congress

Key votes (click "show" to expand or "hide" to contract)

114th Congress The first session of the 114th Congress enacted into law six out of the 2,616 introduced bills (0.2 percent). Comparatively, the 113th Congress had 1.3 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the first session. In the second session, the 114th Congress enacted 133 out of 3,159 introduced bills (4.2 percent). Comparatively, the 113th Congress had 7.0 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session. For more information pertaining to Walters's voting record in the 114th Congress, please see the below sections. Economic and fiscal Trade Act of 2015 See also: The Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, 2015 Trade adjustment assistance On June 12, 2015, the House rejected the trade adjustment assistance (TAA) measure in HR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015—by a vote of 126-302. Trade adjustment assistance (TAA) is a federal program providing American workers displaced by foreign trade agreements with job training and services. The measure was packaged with trade promotion authority (TPA), also known as fast-track authority. TPA is a legislative procedure that allows Congress to define "U.S. negotiating objectives and spells out a detailed oversight and consultation process for during trade negotiations. Under TPA, Congress retains the authority to review and decide whether any proposed U.S. trade agreement will be implemented," according to the Office of the United States Trade Representative. Walters was one of 86 Republicans to vote in favor of TAA. Trade promotion authority On June 12, 2015, the House passed the trade promotion authority (TPA) measure in HR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015 —by a vote of 219-211. TPA gives the president fast-track authority to negotiate trade agreements sent to Congress without the opportunity for amendment or filibuster. Although the House approved TPA, it was a largely symbolic vote given the measure was part of a package trade bill including trade adjustment assistance (TAA), which was rejected earlier the same day. Walters was one of 191 Republicans to support the measure. Trade promotion authority second vote After the trade adjustment assistance (TAA) and trade promotion authority (TPA) did not pass the House together on June 12, 2015, representatives voted to authorize TPA alone as an amendment to HR 2146—the Defending Public Safety Employees' Retirement Act—on June 18, 2015. The amendment passed by a vote of 218-208, with all voting members of the House maintaining their original positions on TPA except for Ted Yoho (R-Fla.). Walters was one of 190 Republicans to vote in favor of the amendment. Trade adjustment assistance second vote The House passed HR 1295—the Trade Preferences Extension Act of 2015—on June 25, 2015, by a vote of 286-138. The Senate packaged trade adjustment assistance (TAA) in this bill after the House rejected the TAA measure in HR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015. Along with trade promotion authority (TPA), which Congress passed as part of HR 2146—the Defending Public Safety Employees' Retirement Act—TAA became law on June 29, 2015. Walters was one of 111 Republicans to vote in favor of HR 1295. Defense spending authorization On May 15, 2015, the House passed HR 1735—the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016—by a vote of 269-151. The bill "authorizes FY2016 appropriations and sets forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. It does not provide budget authority, which is provided in subsequent appropriations legislation." Walters voted with 227 other Republicans and 41 Democrats to approve the bill. The Senate passed the bill on June 18, 2015, by a vote of 71-25. President Barack Obama vetoed the bill on October 22, 2015. On November 5, 2015, the House passed S 1356—the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016—by a vote of 370-58. The second version of the $607 billion national defense bill included $5 billion in cuts to match what was approved in the budget and language preventing the closure of the Guantanamo Bay military prison. Walters voted with 234 other Republicans and 135 Democrats to approve the bill. On November 10, 2015, the Senate passed the bill by a vote of 91-3, and President Barack Obama signed it into law on November 25, 2015. 2016 Budget proposal On April 30, 2015, the House voted to approve SConRes11, a congressional budget proposal for fiscal year 2016, by a vote of 226-197. The non-binding resolution was designed to create 12 appropriations bills to fund the government. All 183 Democrats who voted, voted against the resolution. Walters voted with 225 other Republicans to approve the bill. 2015 budget On October 28, 2015, the House passed HR 1314—the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015—by a vote of 266-167. The bill increased military and domestic spending levels and suspended the debt ceiling until March 2017. Walters voted with 78 Republicans and 187 Democrats in favor of the bill. It passed the Senate on October 30, 2015. President Barack Obama signed it into law on November 2, 2015. Foreign Affairs Iran nuclear deal See also: Iran nuclear agreement, 2015 On May 14, 2015, the House approved HR 1191—the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015—by a vote of 400-25. The bill required President Barack Obama to submit the details of the nuclear deal with Iran for congressional review. Congress had 60 days to review the deal and vote to approve, disapprove, or take no action on the deal. During the review period, sanctions on Iran could not be lifted. Walters voted with 222 other Republican representatives to approve the bill. Approval of Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action On September 11, 2015, the House rejected HR 3461—To approve the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, signed at Vienna on July 14, 2015, relating to the nuclear program of Iran—by a vote of 162-269. The legislation proposed approving the nuclear agreement with Iran. Walters voted with 243 Republicans and 25 Democrats against the bill. Suspension of Iran sanctions relief On September 11, 2015, the House approved HR 3460—To suspend until January 21, 2017, the authority of the President to waive, suspend, reduce, provide relief from, or otherwise limit the application of sanctions pursuant to an agreement related to the nuclear program of Iran—by a vote of 247-186. HR 3460 prohibited "the President, prior to January 21, 2017, from: limiting the application of specified sanctions on Iran or refraining from applying any such sanctions; or removing a foreign person (including entities) listed in Attachments 3 or 4 to Annex II of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPA) from the list of designated nationals and blocked persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Asset Control of the Department of the Treasury." Walters voted with 244 Republicans and two Democrats for the bill. Presidential non-compliance of section 2 On September 10, 2015, the House passed H Res 411—Finding that the President has not complied with section 2 of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015—by a vote of 245-186. Section 2 of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015 required the president to submit all materials related to the nuclear agreement for congressional review. House Republicans introduced the resolution because two agreements between the International Atomic Energy Agency and Iran were not submitted to Congress. Walters voted with 244 Republicans for the resolution. Export-Import Bank On October 27, 2015, the House passed HR 597—the Export-Import Bank Reform and Reauthorization Act of 2015—by a vote of 313-118. The bill proposed reauthorizing the Export-Import Bank and allowing it to resume offering assistance in the form of loans and insurance to foreign companies that wanted to buy U.S. goods. Walters voted with 126 Republicans and 186 Democrats in favor of the bill. Domestic USA FREEDOM Act of 2015 On May 13, 2015, the House passed HR 2048—the Uniting and Strengthening America by Fulfilling Rights and Ensuring Effective Discipline Over Monitoring Act of 2015 or the USA FREEDOM Act of 2015—by a vote of 338-88. The legislation revised HR 3199—the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005—by ending the bulk collection of metadata under Sec. 215 of the act, requiring increased reporting from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, and requiring the use of "a specific selection term as the basis for national security letters that request information from wire or electronic communication service providers, financial institutions, or consumer reporting agencies." Walters voted with 195 Republicans and 142 Democrats to approve the legislation. It became law on June 2, 2015. Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act On May 13, 2015, the House passed HR 36—the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act—by a vote of 242-184. The bill proposed prohibiting abortions from being performed after a fetus was determined to be 20 weeks or older. The bill proposed exceptions in cases of rape, incest, or to save the life of the mother. Walters voted with 237 Republicans in favor of the bill. Cyber security On April 23, 2015, the House passed HR 1731—the National Cybersecurity Protection Advancement Act of 2015—by a vote of 355-63. The bill proposed creating an information sharing program that would allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. It also proposed including liability protections for companies. Walters voted with 219 Republicans and 135 Democrats to approve the bill. On April 22, 2015, the House passed HR 1560—the Protecting Cyber Networks Act—by a vote of 307-116. The bill proposed procedures that would allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. Walters voted with 201 Republicans and 105 Democrats in favor of the bill. Immigration On November 19, 2015, the House passed HR 4038—the American SAFE Act of 2015—by a vote of 289-137. The bill proposed instituting additional screening processes for refugees from Iraq and Syria who applied for admission to the U.S. Walters voted with 241 Republicans and 47 Democrats in favor of the bill.

Issues

2016 presidential endorsement

✓ Walters endorsed Jeb Bush for the Republican primary in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.

See also: Endorsements for Jeb Bush

Political positions

Redistricting

See also: Redistricting in California and California Proposition 40, State Senate Redistricting Plan Referendum (2012)

In August 2011, the California Citizens Redistricting Commission completed the new Congressional and state legislative maps for the 2012-2020 elections. A referendum began in August 2011 to repeal the Senate map. Among the drive supporters were former Governor Pete Wilson and State Senate Minority Leader Bob Dutton. Four other GOP senators, including Walters, immediately contributed more than $5,000 to the referendum group FAIR:

• Tony Strickland: $25,000
• Mimi Walters: $25,000
• Joel Anderson: $10,000
• Doug La Malfa: $5,000

Campaign finance summary

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Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

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Mimi Walters campaign contribution history

Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2020	U.S. House California District 45	Withdrew primary	$910	$51,044
2018	U.S. House California District 45	Lost general	$4,937,509	$5,280,460
2016	U.S. House, California District 45	Won	$1,948,016	N/A**
2014	U.S. House (California, District 45)	Won	$1,430,178	N/A**
2012	California State Senate District 37	Won	$810,895	N/A**
2010	California State Senate District 33	Lost	$1,101,674	N/A**
2008	California State Senate District 33	Won	$1,265,582	N/A**
2006	California State Assembly District 73	Won	$725,343	N/A**
2004	California State Assembly District 73	Won	$785,471	N/A**
** Data on expenditures is not available for this election cycle
Note: Totals above reflect only available data.

Analysis

Lifetime voting record

See also: Lifetime voting records of United States Senators and Representatives

According to the website GovTrack, Walters missed 5 of 505 roll call votes from January 2015 to September 2015. This amounted to 1 percent, which was lower than the median of 2.2 percent among representatives as of September 2015.

Noteworthy events

Government shutdown letter

Walters, along with ten other GOP House freshmen, composed a letter to their Republican colleagues in September 2015, urging them to pass a resolution to avert a government shutdown. The letter read:

“

[W]e are writing today to express our strong support for a funding resolution that will avoid another unnecessary and harmful government shutdown. [W]e were elected by our constituent’s to be principled, pragmatic leaders... The sixteen-day government shutdown in 2013... not only hurt taxpayers with the loss of important government services — it actually cost more taxpayer money to close the federal government than to keep it open.

”

Scorecards

See also: State legislative scorecards and State legislative scorecards in California

A scorecard evaluates a legislator’s voting record. Its purpose is to inform voters about the legislator’s political positions. Because scorecards have varying purposes and methodologies, each report should be considered on its own merits. For example, an advocacy group’s scorecard may assess a legislator’s voting record on one issue while a state newspaper’s scorecard may evaluate the voting record in its entirety.

Ballotpedia is in the process of developing an encyclopedic list of published scorecards. Some states have a limited number of available scorecards or scorecards produced only by select groups. It is Ballotpedia’s goal to incorporate all available scorecards regardless of ideology or number.

Click here for an overview of legislative scorecards in all 50 states. To contribute to the list of California scorecards, email suggestions to editor@ballotpedia.org.

2014

In 2014, the California State Legislature was in session from January 6 to August 30.

• California Chamber of Commerce

Legislators are scored on their votes on bills supported or opposed by the chamber.

• California Civil Liberties Council

Legislators are scored by the California Civil Liberties Council on their votes on "bills related to due process, privacy rights, equal protection, and criminal justice."

• California Clean Money Action Scorecard

Legislators are scored by California Clean Money Action on their votes on bills "to limit the undue influence of Big Money in politics in California."

• California Environmental Justice Alliance

Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to environmental issues.

• California Labor Federation

Legislators are scored on their votes on issues related to labor.

• California League of Conservation Voters

Legislators are scored on their votes on environmental issues.

• Clean Water Action

Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to water policy.

• Congress of California Seniors

Legislators are scored on their votes on bills that relate to senior issues

• Consumer Federation of California

Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to consumers.

• Equality California

Legislators are scored on their votes on bills supported by the organization.

• Howard Jarvis Taxpayer's Association

Legislators are scored on their votes on taxpayer-related issues.

• National Federation of Independent Business

Legislators are scored on their votes on small business issues.

• Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California

Legislators are scored on their votes on bills supported or opposed by the organization.

• Secular Coalition for California

Legislators are scored on their stances on secular policy.

• Sierra Club California

Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to environmental policy.

• The American Conservative Union

Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.

2013

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2013, click [show].

In 2013, the California State Legislature was in session from December 3, 2012, to September 13, 2013 California Environmental Justice Alliance Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to environmental issues. California Humane Society Legislators are scored on their votes on bills and letters supported by CHS. California Labor Federation Legislators are scored on their votes on issues related to labor. California ProLife Council Legislators are scored on their votes on bills supported or opposed by CPC. Capital Resource Institute Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to family issues. Congress of California Seniors Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to senior issues. Consumer Federation of California Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to consumers. Equality California Legislators are scored on their votes on bills supported by EQ CA. Howard Jarvis Taxpayer's Association Legislators are scored on their votes on taxpayer-related issues. Planned Parenthood - Assembly & Senate Legislators are scored on their votes on bills supported or opposed by PP. Sierra Club California Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to environmental issues. The American Conservative Union Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.

2012

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2012, click [show].

In 2012, the California State Legislature was in session from January 4 to August 31. California Clean Money Action Scorecard Legislators are scored by California Clean Money Action on their votes on bills "to limit the undue influence of Big Money in politics in California." California Humane Society Legislators are scored on their votes on bills and letters signed supported by CHS. California Labor Federation Legislators are scored on their votes on issues related to labor. California League of Conservation Voters Legislators are scored on their votes on environmental issues. Clean Water Action Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to water issues. Congress of California Seniors Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to senior issues. Consumer Federation of California Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to consumers. Equality California Legislators are scored on their votes on bills supported by EQ CA. Howard Jarvis Taxpayer's Association Legislators are scored on their votes on taxpayer-related issues. Planned Parenthood Legislators are scored on their votes on bills supported or opposed by the organization. Sierra Club California Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to environmental issues. The American Conservative Union Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.

Personal

Note: Please contact us if the personal information below requires an update.
Walters and her husband, David Walters, have four children.

See also

2020 Elections

What's on the ballot? U.S. President U.S. Congress U.S. Congress special elections State executives State legislatures State courts Ballot measures Municipal government School boards Election analysis hub

Government

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Newsletters

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External links

Suggest a link

• Search Google News for this topic
• Profile from Open States
• Legislative profile of Mimi Walters on Project Vote Smart
• Biographical profile of Mimi Walters on Project Vote Smart
• Campaign contributions: 2010, 2008, 2006, 2004
• Mimi Walters' blog
• Facebook page
• Twitter feed

Footnotes

Political offices
Preceded by John Campbell	U.S. House, California, District 45 2015-2019	Succeeded by Katie Porter (D)
Preceded by Bill Emmerson (R)	California State Senate District 37 2008–2015	Succeeded by John Moorlach (R)

[show]

California's current delegation to the United States Congress

Senators

Laphonza Butler (D)

Alex Padilla (D)

Representatives

District 1

Doug LaMalfa (R)

District 2

Jared Huffman (D)

District 3

Kevin Kiley (R)

District 4

Mike Thompson (D)

District 5

Tom McClintock (R)

District 6

Ami Bera (D)

District 7

Doris Matsui (D)

District 8

John Garamendi (D)

District 9

Josh Harder (D)

District 10

Mark DeSaulnier (D)

District 11

Nancy Pelosi (D)

District 12

Barbara Lee (D)

District 13

John Duarte (R)

District 14

Eric Swalwell (D)

District 15

Kevin Mullin (D)

District 16

Anna Eshoo (D)

District 17

Ro Khanna (D)

District 18

Zoe Lofgren (D)

District 19

Jimmy Panetta (D)

District 20

Vince Fong (R)

District 21

Jim Costa (D)

District 22

David Valadao (R)

District 23

Jay Obernolte (R)

District 24

Salud Carbajal (D)

District 25

Raul Ruiz (D)

District 26

Julia Brownley (D)

District 27

Mike Garcia (R)

District 28

Judy Chu (D)

District 29

Tony Cárdenas (D)

District 30

Adam Schiff (D)

District 31

Grace Napolitano (D)

District 32

Brad Sherman (D)

District 33

Pete Aguilar (D)

District 34

Jimmy Gomez (D)

District 35

Norma Torres (D)

District 36

Ted Lieu (D)

District 37

Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D)

District 38

Linda Sánchez (D)

District 39

Mark Takano (D)

District 40

Young Kim (R)

District 41

Ken Calvert (R)

District 42

Robert Garcia (D)

District 43

Maxine Waters (D)

District 44

Nanette Barragán (D)

District 45

Michelle Steel (R)

District 46

Lou Correa (D)

District 47

Katie Porter (D)

District 48

Darrell Issa (R)

District 49

Mike Levin (D)

District 50

Scott Peters (D)

District 51

Sara Jacobs (D)

District 52

Juan Vargas (D)

Democratic Party (42)

Republican Party (12)