The Jesse M. Unruh Legacy

Jesse M. Unruh is regarded as the most powerful Assembly Speaker in California history and was a prominent figure in state politics for more than 30 years. As a war veteran and alumnus of the University of Southern California, he excelled quickly from his elected position in the California State Assembly to become a Speaker of the Assembly by 1961. After unsuccessful campaigns for California governor and mayor of Los Angeles, Unruh was elected California Treasurer in 1974. 

He modernized the state Assembly by concentrating unprecedented authority in the Speaker’s office, established landmark progressive legislation, and played a key role in national politics as a chief supporter of John F. Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy. Nearly 35 years since his death, his legacy lives on with the Jesse M. Unruh Institute of Politics at USC and a building in the State Capitol bearing his name. The former politician’s leadership laid the foundation for political internships, conferences, and panel discussions that make up the Unruh Institute today. 

Join our celebration of his life and legacy, in partnership with the USC Unruh Associates. 

Featuring: 

Bill Boyarsky – Author, “Big Daddy: Jesse Unruh and the art of Power Politics;” Columnist, LA Observed 
Grover McKean – Attorney; Former Chief Deputy State Treasurer
Mike Roos – Strategist; Former Speaker Pro Tempore, CA State Assembly
Chloe Hirth (Moderator) – President, USC Unruh Associates
Tommy Nguyen (Moderator) – Former President, USC Unruh Associates