Speculation flares on Kristin Olsen’s political ambition

Kristin Olsen wasn’t ready to reveal her next political move, even as California Assembly Republicans on Tuesday selected someone to replace her as their leader next year.

Olsen, from Riverbank, several months ago formed a committee to raise money with the idea of succeeding fellow Republican Sen. Tom Berryhill of Twain Harte, when term limits force him from office in 2018. But Olsen acknowledged Tuesday the option of switching that cash – $383,683, as of Aug. 1 – to a possible 2016 challenge against Sen. Cathleen Galgiani, D-Manteca.

First-term Assemblyman Chad Mayes, R-Yucca Valley, will take the reins from Olsen on Jan. 4, Assembly Republicans decided Tuesday behind closed doors. It’s possible he could spend four years as Assembly Republican leader, compared to two for Olsen, who rose to the top in the final two years of her six in the Assembly.

“I loved being able to advocate for the Central Valley from a larger statewide platform,” Olsen told The Modesto Bee. “We cannot get enough champions for the Valley. I’ve enjoyed standing up for my community and my constituents in a larger and broader way.”

Olsen knew from the start that her time as leader would be transitional, she said. She focused on modernizing caucus operations, reducing the profile of staffers in favor of empowering elected Assembly members.

“My goal was to challenge the status quo, shake it up and bring freshness to the caucus in a party that desperately needs to move forward and connect with more Californians,” Olsen said. “I’ve never been one to defend a failing status quo. To my very pleasant surprise, my caucus stood with me in unity and now we’re on a better path for the future.”

Mayes praised Olsen’s leadership.

“I plan to build upon Kristin’s vision of bringing the caucus and its supporting operations in the 21st century,” he said in an announcement. “She has worked tirelessly to position our caucus and its members for maximum success.”

Olsen is the only mother of school-age children to serve as Assembly leader in California, for either party, and said family considerations could affect decisions about her political future. She served five years on the Modesto City Council after election in 2005, and moved with her family to Riverbank after being elected to the Legislature in 2010.

Galgiani is a friend, Olsen said, but she declined to elaborate on the prospect of a political race against her. Olsen said she’ll decide by year’s end.

This story was originally published September 1, 2015 at 5:59 PM with the headline "Speculation flares on Kristin Olsen’s political ambition."