Assemblyman Devon Mathis has a new chief of staff, legislative veteran Sam Cannon. Cannon was born in Kern County and was raised in Fresno.
Cannon met Mathis three years ago while working for the Committee on Rules while training new assembly members.
Cannon has worked for the California legislature for 18 years. After his stint as Assemblyman Bill Maze’s chief of staff from 2002 -2006, he worked for Assemblyman Paul Cook in the neighboring district. While working on the rules committee, Cannon was also the chief of staff for Assemblyman Don Wagner, who represented parts of Orange County.
Wagner termed out so Cannon was available.
“I heard there was an opening and I had a few interviews. We got along really well.”
Cannon has been working for Mathis since the end of May.
Cannon will be Mathis’ third chief of staff. Former campaign manager Cole Azare was Mathis’ first chief of staff until April 15, 2015. After Azare, Mathis hired lobbyist Sean Doherty, who was then fired May 5, 2016.
It was previously reported that Doherty was fired by the Assembly Rules Committee for misconduct, though the allegation has not been proven. Cannon stated that his hiring by Mathis was completely independent of Doherty’s termination.
When asked about Mathis’ future plans Cannon said he is definitely running in 2018 and wants to serve out his time in the assembly. Presently, he is not aware of any challengers to Mathis’ seat.
Mathis was elected to the California Assembly District 26 in November, 2014. He will be termed out in 2026..