Los Angeles - Capitol Advocacy

Chad Mayes

Chad Mayes is a partner at Capitol Advocacy, where he co-leads the Climate Change and Energy practice area. His expertise in this field is fueled by a fervent commitment to advancing innovative and sustainable solutions, skillfully navigating the complex landscape of modern environmental challenges. Additionally, Chad plays a significant role in the Healthcare Practice and contributes to the Technology, Privacy and Artificial Intelligence, as well as the Business and Employer Representation practice areas. His broad spectrum of advice to clients is rooted in extensive experience at the crossroads of public policy and industry sectors, where he consistently delivers strategic insights and actionable solutions.

Mayes began his career as a financial advisor and small business owner. He then served as Mayor and Council Member at the Town of Yucca Valley, and as a board member of the San Bernardino Associated Governments and the League of California Cities. He later served as Chief of Staff to the Chair of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors.

In 2014, he was elected to the California State Assembly, representing the 42nd District in the Inland Empire. He quickly established himself as a dynamic and effective leader, earning the respect and trust of his peers and was elected Assembly Republican Leader after only 10 months in office. In 2019, he dropped his Republican party affiliation and was successful in running for re-election as an Independent in 2020.

Throughout his time in the Assembly, Mayes was known for his ability to identify pragmatic policy solutions that improved the lives of Californians and helped the state maintain its position as a global leader in the 21st century. He traveled extensively throughout the state, engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, groups, and businesses to better understand issues and build support for key policies. He was particularly successful in his district, earning high marks as a consensus builder and getting things done for his constituents.

On statewide issues, Mayes played a key role in crafting and passing some of California’s most significant policy reforms, including California’s landmark Cap and Trade Law, the SB 901 Commission that reformed wildfire response and mitigation efforts, and the bill that created the California Wildfire Fund, which protected ratepayers, held utility executives accountable, and helped victims regain their lives.

Mayes also co-founded New Way California along with former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, an organization dedicated to putting people above political parties and improving the lives of all Californians.

Throughout his time in the assembly, Mayes served on several committees, including the Assembly Health Committee and Insurance Committees, the Utilities and Energy and Governmental Organization committees. Mayes was appointed by then-Speaker Toni Atkins to serve on the Little Hoover Commission. Mayes was an original founder and co-chair of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus.

Mayes is a graduate of Liberty University and currently resides in Rancho Mirage with his wife, Dr. Andis Almasi Mayes and daughter, Mila.

Edward Rendon

Edward J. Rendon is a seasoned government relations professional with over 25 years in the field. He is the founder and Principal of SoCal Advocacy. Rendon has significant expertise working on behalf of a broad spectrum of client interests in the public and private sector including: education, transportation, tech, major retail chains, health insurance providers, hospitals, long-term care providers, tax and consultancy groups, consumer product and home improvement companies. He is uniquely experienced in “bridging” communication lines and collaboration between business and labor leaders.

He has a proven track record when dealing with all levels of business and government and leads the team of professionals here at SoCal Advocacy. In addition to his Southern California responsibilities, he is a member of the lobbying team at Capitol Advocacy, one of Sacramento’s top lobbying firms.

Prior to lobbying, he served in various leadership positions with the Teamsters Union as an organizer, education coordinator and representative of United Parcel Service members. He ascended to Director of Public Affairs for Joint Council 42 in 2001, representing the government affairs interests of 150,000 members in the western region. Rendon spear-headed hundreds of elections, voter registration drives and fundraising campaigns. He worked collaboratively with private sector companies on federal, state, and local legislation. For 16 years, he managed the Teamsters political spending of more than $1.5 mil-lion per election cycle. In that time, he also helped elect dozens of political leaders at the local, state, and federal level.

In 2010, he founded the San Gabriel Valley Civic Alliance, a business advocacy organization specializing in multi-sector collaboration. He now serves as Executive Director for the organization, promoting innovative policy solutions and best practices for the business community.

Rendon has been appointed to serve on the following federal, state, and local commissions and boards: Western Alliance Trust Fund, US Department of Labor Commissioner, California Employment Training Panel, California Board of Optometry, Los Angeles City WIB, San Bernardino County WIB, Mt. SAC Foundation Board of Directors, Vernon Business Advisory Committee, ELAC Foundation Board of Directors, AIPAC National Council, UCLA Labor Center Advisor and the LA Trade Tech Labor Center faculty.

He is a graduate of Loyola High School of Los Angeles, Loyola Marymount University and earned a Master of Arts degree from Eastern Michigan University in Guidance & Counseling.

Wendy Bruget

Wendy Bruget is a seasoned government affairs professional with over two decades of experience representing diverse clients before the City and County of Los Angeles. A graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara, she began her career as a union organizer for the Association of Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs, establishing a firm foundation in California’s legislative and political processes.

Wendy served eleven years as a contract lobbyist with Arnie Berghoff & Associates, executing legislative strategies for her clients. She is a connected and talented strategist with noteworthy deliverables on behalf of clients, communities, and charitable endeavors.

As the Director of Government Affairs for Athens Services, Southern California’s largest independently owned waste and recycling company. Wendy led high-level public policy initiatives in this role and fostered key relationships across municipal, county, and state agencies. Among her notable accomplishments was facilitating a public-private partnership that donates essential service vehicles to Baja California, repurposing them for continued use along the U.S.-Mexico border. In 2022, Wendy participated in California’s Waste & Recycling Challenge and is proud to have worked with a diverse coalition to permit a state-of-the art Material Recovery Facility in Irwindale, California.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Wendy is known for her civic engagement and political activism. She actively supports a variety of charitable and political causes, previously serving on the American Diabetes Association Political Roast Committee and Hispanas Organized for Political Equality Leadership Institute and co-founding the Avance Latino Democratic Club, an organization dedicated to advancing Latino representation.

Recognized for her ability to navigate complex policy landscapes and build collaborations, Wendy has partnered with elected officials, community leaders, and private-sector stakeholders to champion economic development and cross-border cooperation. She continues leveraging her government affairs expertise to advance initiatives that strengthen the region’s economic growth.