Devon John Mathis is an American politician currently serving in the California State Assembly. He is a Republican representing the 26th District, encompassing southeastern parts of the Central Valley. Before joining the Assembly, Devon served for 10 years as a Sergeant in the Army National Guard, including two tours in Iraq. During his second tour in Iraq, Devon was severely injured in a roadside bomb attack, for which he was awarded a Purple Heart. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration from Fresno State University, and an Aassociate Degree in Social Sciences from Porterville College. Devon and his wife, Aubrey live in Visalia with their five children. His election in 2014 was a surprise to many when he defeated Woodlake Mayor Rudy Mendoza, a fellow Republican who was better known and had much support from established Republicans. Mendoza sought a rematch in 2016, but Mathis defeated him again in the primary. Mathis, who had no previous political experience, ran on his status as a former US Army sergeant and veterans advocate. However, a controversy arose when it was revealed that he had been collecting both his 100% VA disability benefits and his state salary as an Assemblyman, including benefits. Mathis was featured on the American Grown exploring the 2015 birth of the on In July 2017 Mathis, along with four other Republican assemblymen, voted "Yes" on AB 398 to extend California's Cap and Trade program. In 2018, Mathis was vigorously challenged for reelection. In the primary, he won only 30% of the vote, narrowly defeating Republican Visalia Mayor Warren Gubler. But in the November runoff, he rallied and defeated Democratic TulareCity Councilman Jose Sigala with 58% of the vote.
Allegations of sexual assault
In October 2017 it was announced by the Sacramento Police Department that Mathis was being investigated for an alleged sexual assault against a female member of his staff. A conservative political blog, American Children First, reported that sources had informed them that Mathis and several staff members had gone out drinking and returned to the home of one of the staff members. There, it was alleged, an inebriated female staff member had gone into a bedroom and passed out on the bed, and Mathis was alleged to have "digitally penetrated" her while she was unconscious. Regarding the incident, Mathis' office released this statement: “We have a policy of not responding to unsubstantiated, random social media posts.” A spokesman for the Sacramento Police Department. said that “information of a possible sexual assault was brought to our attention. We are starting to follow up with the information we have." California Assembly officials disciplined Mathis for violating the body's sexual harassment policy. They found that he frequently engaged in the utterance of coarse language and made sexual remarks about fellow lawmakers.
