Steven Choi
- Assembly: 2016-2022
- Senate: 2024-present
Bio
Steven Choi, 82, was an Assemblymember and Irvine mayor. He narrowly defeated Democratic Sen. Josh Newman in 2024 in one of the state’s most competitive races, despite Newman having raised vastly more money. Choi was born in South Korea and earned a bachelor’s degree from Kyung Hee University. He immigrated to the United States as a Peace Corps language instructor. He earned a doctorate in library and information science at the University of Pittsburgh, and he taught at several colleges including USC. He served on the Irvine Unified School Board and ran a tutoring business called Dr. Choi’s Academy. He and his wife have two children.
Leader Badges
Ideology
Bill Activity
For this session year, this legislator initiated 30 bills: 7 passed, 13 failed, and 10 are currently pending.
Alignment Meter
See all-time percentage of this legislator’s alignment with any organization based on total votes.
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Influence
There are three categories of donations to legislators after they are elected that encourage a working relationship between the donor and the legislator. The three categories are: 1-Gifts, 2-Travel, 3-Behests.
|
Giver
|
Value
|
Date
|
Description
|
|---|---|---|---|
| California Tribal Business Alliance | $53.22 | Jul 14, 2021 | Back to Session Bash |
| Live Good Inc | $50 | Jul 27, 2021 | Baby pillow |
| Live Good Inc | $50 | Jul 27, 2021 | Elephant pillow |
Gifts
Legislators are not allowed to accept gifts of more than $10 per month from registered lobbyists. Gifts from any other single source are limited to $590 in a calendar year.
Gift Received Rating
This legislator is ranked 65th highest for the amount of personal gifts received.
|
Giver
|
Value
|
Date
|
Description
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Disney | $542 | Dec 7, 2024 | Tickets |
| California Chamber of Commerce | $194.21 | Nov 12, 2024 | Wine & Cheese |
| Dr. Jonathan Kim, DDS | $100 | Dec 2, 2024 | Winter Coat |
| Dr. Jonathan Kim, DDS | $50 | Dec 2, 2024 | Tooth Brushes |
| Dr. Jonathan Kim, DDS | $50 | Dec 2, 2024 | Tooth Paste |
| Jessica Patterson | $45 | Dec 2, 2024 | Mini Fridge |
Gifts
Legislators are not allowed to accept gifts of more than $10 per month from registered lobbyists. Gifts from any other single source are limited to $590 in a calendar year.
Gift Received Rating
This legislator is ranked 81st highest for the amount of personal gifts received.
|
Giver
|
Value
|
Date
|
Description
|
|---|---|---|---|
| John Wayne Airport | $550 | Jan 20, 2021 |
Sponsored Travel
Legislators are allowed to have their expenses paid for domestic and international travel that is related to their work including, for example, trips to conferences or to tour places facing issues similar to California. There is no limit on the amount of travel expenses a legislator can accept. The trips are often funded by companies or organizations with interest in state policy.
Travel Received Rating
This legislator is ranked 51st highest for the amount of sponsored travel received.
|
Giver
|
Value
|
Date
|
Description
|
|---|---|---|---|
| John Wayne Airport | $50 | Dec 2, 2024 | Sacramento, CA: Parking for Legislative Travel |
Sponsored Travel
Legislators are allowed to have their expenses paid for domestic and international travel that is related to their work including, for example, trips to conferences or to tour places facing issues similar to California. There is no limit on the amount of travel expenses a legislator can accept. The trips are often funded by companies or organizations with interest in state policy.
Travel Received Rating
This legislator is ranked 92nd highest for the amount of sponsored travel received.
|
Giver
|
Value
|
Date
|
Description
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon Wireless | $5,000 | Apr 18, 2012 | To sponsor the Irvine Korean Cultural Festival |
Behests
These are unlimited payments made “at the behest” — or request — of a legislator to a third party. The behest might involve, for example, a legislator requesting a donation be made to a school district or a job fair. Behests must be reported if they exceed $5,000 from a single source in a year.
Behests Received Rating
This legislator is ranked 4th highest for the amount of behests received.
Featured Comments
Below are links to the video and transcript of recent, substantive comments by this legislator in committee hearings or floor sessions.
Previous Election (2024):