Los Angeles - Capitol Advocacy

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.

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.