Image Courtesy of Mike Curb
Mike Curb’s political career is remarkable for many reasons, most notably his courage, independence, and leadership. As California’s 42nd lieutenant governor from 1979 to 1983, he navigated one of the country’s most complex political arenas, leaving behind a reputation built on integrity and multiparty cooperation.
Mike’s years in office were transformative because he was the only Republican in the history of California to serve a full four-year term with a Democratic Governor. California law provides that the Lieutenant Governor serves as Governor when the Governor is out of the State. Shortly after Curb took office as Lt. Governor, Governor Jerry Brown filed a lawsuit in the California Supreme Court challenging the right of the Lt. Governor to act as Governor during his absences from the State while he ran for President. In this huge precedent-setting decision, the Supreme Court ruled that Mike Curb had the power and the responsibility of the Governor when the Governor was out of state. Curb went on to serve 200 days as Governor during the first two years of Jerry Brown’s term.
A New Voice in California Politics
Encouraged by Ronald Reagan to pursue a career in politics, Mike rose quickly to become a new and able leader. In 1978, he was elected California lieutenant governor, part of a new generation of public officials willing to reconcile conservative principles with social obligation. Curb was a leader on Tax incentive policy and was the first major candidate to endorse California’s Prop 13, which put a lid on property taxes.
Many will recall that California was in the midst of political and cultural transformation at the time. During this heated period, Mike’s pragmatic political approach provided voters a welcome alternative to the rampant polarization of federal politics.
As an independent-minded Republican, Mike won widespread voter support that transcended party lines. His victory reflected the public’s aspirations for politicians who prioritized results over policy.
As lieutenant governor, Mike acted as Governor when Jerry Brown was campaigning for the presidency. Mike often held full executive power, signing bills, making appointments, issuing executive orders, and generally demonstrating his commitment to responsible governance. Most of all, while acting as Governor, Curb successfully handled many emergencies, including major fires, floods, and other important matters.
A Stand for Equality
In 1978, Mike took the brave step of partnering with San Francisco Supervisor Harvey Milk to defeat the Briggs Initiative. If passed, the bill would have prohibited gay and lesbian teachers from teaching in California public schools. Despite overwhelming pressure from his own party members, Mike actively campaigned against the initiative and even convinced Ronald Reagan not to support it.
The defeat of the Briggs Initiative was a landmark victory for civil rights. Furthermore, it emphasized Mike’s ability to transcend ideological lines and fight for equality—qualities that distinguished him from his peers.
In 2023, Mike scored another victory for equality when he won a lawsuit in a Tennessee court that overturned a state law mandating private companies to display restroom signs that were discriminatory to LGBT individuals. The ruling was yet another affirmation of Mike’s long-held conviction of equal protection under the law.
Mike Curb’s Enduring Legacy
Mike’s political influence has extended well beyond California. As co-chairman of Ronald Reagan’s 1980 presidential campaign and serving the President in Washington, DC as Chairman of the National Finance Committee, and Chairman of the Presidential Trust, he played a role in national legislation. His organizational discipline and ability to bring together disparate coalitions were critical in securing Reagan’s historic victory.
President Reagan allowed Curb to work with Congressman Jack Kemp on the Kemp-Roth bill that laid the groundwork for Reaganomics through massive tax cuts. Reagan also appointed Curb to serve on the USO board and the World Trade board and to participate in the formation of positive Immigration reform.
Mike Curb remains the last Republican elected Lieutenant Governor of California. His political legacy is widely recognized for its foundation in conviction rather than conformity, attributable to his fairness, courage, and steadfast sense of responsibility. Years after retiring from office, he remains an inspiration and a shining example of principled leadership that transcends party affiliations and fosters enduring progress.
Today, Mike remains active and continues to operate his successful record company, Curb Records, and the Curb Foundation, which has given gifts in excess of $200,000,000 throughout the country.
