George Steffes

1935 - 2025

George Richard Steffes, a dedicated public servant and respected leader in California's political and advocacy circles, passed away peacefully in Sacramento on July 7, 2025, at the age of 90.

Born in Los Angeles to Lily and Adam Steffes, George was a lifelong Dodgers fan, proud USC Trojan, and attendee of Los Angeles primary and secondary public schools. During the Korean War, George enlisted and served four years in the U.S. Air Force as a Korean interpreter in the Security-Intelligence Branch. After his military service, George attended the University of Southern California and graduated with honors.

George started his career working for the Tidewater Oil Company in Los Angeles. While in Los Angeles, George volunteered to work as an aide in Ronald Reagan's campaign for governor of California. After Reagan's successful win, he stepped into the political arena, serving from 1967 to 1972 as Director of Programs and Policy and Chief Legislative Secretary for Governor Reagan. Known for his pragmatic approach and ability to bridge divides, George worked diligently to advance legislation focused on welfare reform and fiscal responsibility during challenging budgetary times.

Upon George's departure from the Reagan Administration, Governor Reagan praised Steffes as "one of the truly outstanding young men of this administration, a person of immense ability and personal integrity whose wise and trusted counsel will be missed deeply." In thanking George for his service, Reagan stated, "Some people are irreplaceable. You are one of them."

In 1972, George helped pioneer Sacramento's first multi-person lobbying firm, partnering with Bob Beckus & Loren Smith to reshape how political advocacy was conducted in the capital. Later, he founded his own firm-George R. Steffes, Inc.-which grew to become one of the largest and most trusted lobbying practices in Sacramento.

Colleagues regarded George as a person who valued relationships and integrity above all. He believed that good faith and respect were essential to making progress and that most people wanted to do the right thing. His straightforward style and focus on practical solutions earned him deep respect on both sides of the aisle.

Outside of politics, George was a devoted golfer and was particularly proud to be inducted into the Sacramento Golf Hall of Fame in 2005 for his work with the First Tee program. He spent much of his later years at the Haggin Oaks Golf Complex, where he was not only a regular player but also a beloved instructor who shared his philosophy that golf offered lessons for life-especially about letting go of mistakes and focusing on what can be done next.

George is survived by his wife, Jamie Khan; his first wife, Carol Steffes; and his children Robert Steffes, Susan Steffes-Ferri, Diane Wismer (Steve), and John Steffes (Angela). He was a proud grandfather to Christopher, Natalie, Gabriel, Eden, George, and June.

A memorial service to celebrate George's remarkable life will be held on September 18, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. at the California Museum in Sacramento. Friends, family, colleagues, and those touched by his many contributions are invited to attend. Donations in George's memory can be made to his favorite charity, the Morton Golf Foundation.