Robert Dutton

Robert "Bob" Dale Dutton (born October 13, 1950) is an American politician. He was elected in June 2014 as Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk of San Bernardino County and re-elected in 2018. He served as the California State Senate Republican Leader from 2010 to 2012 and served as a Senator representing the 31st Senate District from 2004 to 2012, after serving two years as a State Assemblyman for the 63rd Assembly District.

Early life, education, and early career

Dutton was born in Lincoln, Nebraska in 1950. In 1972, he received an A.A. in real estate from Los Angeles Valley College. In 1976, he became President of the local Kiwanis.

He served in the Army Reserve in 1969 and then went on to serve on the California Air National Guard. Dutton owns the real estate company Dutton & Associates, Inc. He has also been involved with the YMCA and the Red Cross.

He began his public service as a City Councilman for Rancho Cucamonga, California.

California legislature

Elections

After redistricting, incumbent Republican State Assemblyman Bill Leonard decided to retire in order to run for a seat on the California Board of Equalization. Dutton decided to run in the vacant California's 63rd State Assembly district and won the Republican primary with 45% of the vote in a three candidate field. He won the general election by defeating Democratic nominee Donna Wallace 61%-39%.

In 2004, he decided to retire from his seat in the 63rd Assembly district in order to run for California's 31st State Senate district, vacated by retiring Republican State Senator Jim Brulte. He defeated Democratic nominee Marjorie Mikels 60%–40%. In 2008, he won re-election to a second term with 59% of the vote.

Committee assignments

2011–2012

• Emergency Management Committee
• Labor and Industrial Relations Committee
• Audit Committee
• Rules Committee

2009–2010

• Budget and Fiscal Review Committee (Vice Chair)
• Transportation and Housing Committee
• Rules Committee
• Joint Legislative Budget Committee

2012 congressional election

In January 2012, Dutton decided to retire from the California Senate to run in the newly redrawn California’s 31st Congressional District, based in San Bernardino County, and vacated by retiring U.S. Congressman Jerry Lewis. Dutton lost the general election to fellow Republican Gary Miller by a 55% to 45% margin.

2014 Assessor-Recorder election - Present

In September 2013, Dutton announced his candidacy for the San Bernardino County Assessor-Recorder, vacated by retiring County Assessor-Recorder Dennis Draeger. Dutton won the June 3, 2014 California Primary Election to Dan Harp, receiving over 50% of the vote and avoiding a November run-off election.

As a division of the Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk responsibilities, Dutton is the keeper of the historical archives.

In 2018, Dutton ran unopposed in the June 5th California Primary Election, being re-elected to the post as Assessor-Recorder-Clerk for San Bernardino County.

Committee assignments

2014–Present

• California Assessor's Association - Legislative Committee
• County Recorder's Association of California

Personal life

He married Andrea Guillen in 1981. They have a daughter, Kara, who received her Master’s in 2010 from the University of La Verne.