Randy Voepel

Randy Greg Voepel (born September 21, 1950) is an American politician. He served in the city government of Santee, California, and in the California State Assembly from the 71st district. He was the vice-chair of the Veterans Affairs, Aging & Long-Term Care, and Public Employment & Retirement committees and a member of the Insurance, Local Government, and Joint Legislative Audit committees. Voepel lost his reelection bid in the 2022 California State Assembly election, with his term ending on December 6, 2022.

Randy Voepel
Member of the California State Assembly from the 71st district
In office December 5, 2016 – December 6, 2022
Preceded by	Brian Jones
Succeeded by	Kate Sanchez
Mayor of Santee, California
In office 2000–2016
Preceded by	Jack E. Dale
Succeeded by	John Minto
Member of the Santee City Council
In office 1996–2000
Personal details
Born	(1950-09-21) September 21, 1950 (age 74) Saint Charles, Missouri, U.S.[1]
Political party	Republican
Children	2, including Laura
Residence(s)	Santee, California, U.S.
Military service
Allegiance	United States
Branch/service	United States Navy
Battles/wars	Vietnam War

Early life

On September 21, 1950, Voepel was born in Saint Charles, Missouri.^[1][2] In August 1969, Voepel enlisted in the United States Navy. During the Vietnam War, Voepel served on the USS Buchanan, a guided-missile destroyer. Voepel received the Combat Action Ribbon and military awards.^[2][3]

Career

In 1996, Voepel became a member of the Santee City Council. In 2000, Voepel became the Mayor of Santee until 2016.^[4]

On November 8, 2016, Voepel won the election and became a Republican member of California State Assembly for District 71, encompassing most of inland San Diego County and part of Riverside County.

In 2022, redistricting would have placed him into a new district with another member of the state Assembly, Marie Waldron, but Voepel lost by a wide margin.^[5]

Comments on January 6th

Following the January 6 United States Capitol attack, Voepel said, "This is Lexington and Concord. First shots fired against tyranny. Tyranny will follow in the aftermath of the Biden swear-in on January 20th."^[6]

Electoral history

2020 California State Assembly

California's 71st State Assembly district election, 2020^[7][8]

Primary election
Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Randy Voepel (incumbent)	77,069	61.1
	Democratic	Liz "Elizabeth" Lavertu	49,073	38.9
Total votes			126,142	100.0
General election
	Republican	Randy Voepel (incumbent)	136,156	59.6
	Democratic	Liz "Elizabeth" Lavertu	92,385	40.4
Total votes			228,541	100.0

2018 California State Assembly

See also: California State Assembly election, 2018

California's 71st State Assembly district election, 2018

Primary election
Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Randy Voepel (incumbent)	41,561	43.6
	Democratic	James Elia	30,672	32.2
	Republican	Larry A. Wilske	23,106	24.2
Total votes			95,339	100.0
General election
	Republican	Randy Voepel (incumbent)	100,386	60.6
	Democratic	James Elia	65,194	39.4
Total votes			165,580	100.0
	Republican hold

2016 California State Assembly

See also: California State Assembly election, 2016

California's 71st State Assembly district election, 2016

Primary election
Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Randy Voepel	51,857	59.9
	Republican	Leo Hamel	23,990	27.7
	Republican	Tony Teora	10,770	12.4
Total votes			86,617	100.0
General election
	Republican	Randy Voepel	108,049	65.8
	Republican	Leo Hamel	56,184	34.2
Total votes			164,233	100.0
	Republican hold

Awards

• Combat Action Ribbon^[2]
• Vietnam Cross Gallantry^[2]

Personal life

Voepel was formerly married to Pamela Palmer.^[9] He is now married to Susan. He has two adult children.^[1] His grandson perpetrated the 2022 Colorado Springs nightclub shooting.^[10][11][12] His former son-in-law was Aaron Brink, a mixed martial arts fighter and pornographic film actor.^[13] Voepel and his wife live in Santee, California.^[4]