David G. Kelley (born October 11, 1928, in Riverside, California) is an American farmer^[1] and politician from California and a member of the Republican Party.

Quick Facts Member of the California Senate from the 37th district, Preceded by ...

David G. Kelley
Member of the California Senate from the 37th district
In office December 7, 1992 – November 30, 2000
Preceded by	Marian Bergeson
Succeeded by	Jim Battin
Member of the California State Assembly
In office December 4, 2000 – November 30, 2002
Preceded by	Jim Battin
Succeeded by	Bonnie Garcia
Constituency	75th district (1978–1982) 73rd district (1982–1992) 37th district (1992–2000) 80th district (2000–2002)
In office December 4, 1978 – November 30, 1992
Preceded by	Tom Suitt
Succeeded by	Julie Bornstein
Personal details
Born	(1928-10-11) October 11, 1928 (age 95) Riverside, California
Political party	Republican
Spouse	Brigitte
Children	4
Alma mater	California State Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo
Occupation	Businessman
Military service
Branch/service	United States Air Force
Battles/wars	Korean War

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A graduate of the Army and Navy Academy Class of 1947,^[1] Kelley attended California State Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo, majoring in citrus fruit production.^[1] His education was interrupted by service as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean conflict.^[1] A successful citrus rancher in the Hemet, California area for more than 40 years, he has been active in the Riverside County Farm Bureau since 1955,^[1] and has served as both president and vice president, as well as on the board of directors of the California Farm Bureau Federation.^[1]

Kelley also has served as director of the Hemet-San Jacinto Basin Resource Conservation District.^[2]

In 1978, Kelley ran for the 75th district in the California State Assembly and ousted 2-term incumbent Tom Suitt (D-Palm Springs) in what turned out to be a great year for down ballot Republicans across the state.^[3] Kelley would hold the seat (renumbered the 73rd after the 1981 reapportionment) with little trouble for 6 more terms.^[2] The only time a sitting elected official challenged Kelley was in 1984 when then Democratic Corona city councilman S.R. "Al" Lopez made the run, but failed to make an impression.^[4]

In 1992 Kelley decided to run for the redrawn (and open) 37th district in the California State Senate. He faced his assembly colleague Carol Bentley (R-El Cajon) in the primary, both candidates among the more mild-mannered legislators.^[5] Nevertheless, the race became heated. Kelley repeatedly hit Bentley over her ethics, with his specific attacks over her "ghost voting" (leaving her voting card behind while she was away from the Capitol and allowing other members to vote for her) throwing her campaign off balance. ^[6] Kelley prevailed with 52% of the vote.

He was reelected to the state senate in 1996 and served one additional term in the assembly (2001–03) before retiring from elective office.^[2]

Kelley is currently an Emeritus Trustee of the Army and Navy Academy.^[7]