R. Keith Olberg (born October 29, 1960, in Chicago, Illinois) is an American politician from California. He is a member of the Republican Party.
In 1994, freshman Assemblywoman Kathleen Honeycutt (R-Hesperia) opted at the last minute not to seek reelection for health reasons. She did not inform any GOP officials of her decision, but did tell then unknown Olberg, a consultant with the Building Industry Association, and also endorsed him. Although he was eventually joined in the race by veteran Victorville City Councilman Michael Rothschild, the tip off helped Olberg win the GOP primary easily, scoring 65% of the vote.California Journal Vol. XXV, No.7 (July 1994) "Election '94". StateNet Publications, July 1994.
He won reelections in 1996 and 1998 in the vast, sparsely populated and overwhelmingly GOP district.
California Secretary of State Election
In 2002 Olberg ran for California Secretary of State. He won the GOP primary with 62% of the vote, then narrowly lost the general election to Assemblyman Kevin Shelley (D-San Francisco) by 4 points.California Journal Vol. XXXIII, No.10 (February 2002) "Special Election Issue: Complete Ballot Analysis". StateNet Publications, February 2002.
Electoral history
+ Member, California State Assembly: 1995-2001YearOfficeDemocratVotesPctRepublicanVotesPct1994California State Assembly District 34Timothy G. Hauk 34,80234.2%Keith Olberg 67,07365.8%1996California State Assembly District 34Lionel M. Dew40,53434.7%Keith Olberg 76,24865.3%1998California State Assembly District 34Steven Figueroa30,44432.3%Keith Olberg 60,37464.1%2002California Secretary of StateKevin Shelley 34% March Fong Eu 29%3,357,17346.3%Michael Schaefer 21% Keith Olberg 62%3,070,87942.3%
References
JoinCalifornia, Election History for the State of California