David G. Kelley

David Gerald Kelley (October 11, 1928 – September 24, 2025) was an American farmer and politician from California who was a member of the Republican Party.

A graduate of the Army and Navy Academy Class of 1947,

Kelley died on September 24, 2025, at the age of 96.

State Assembly In 1978, Kelley ran for the 75th district in the California State Assembly and ousted 2-term incumbent Tom Suitt (D-Palm Springs) in what turned out to be a great year for down ballot Republicans across the state. Kelley would hold the seat (renumbered the 73rd after the 1981 reapportionment) with little trouble for 6 more terms.

State Senate In 1992, Kelley decided to run for the redrawn (and open) 37th district in the California State Senate. He faced his assembly colleague Carol Bentley (R-El Cajon) in the primary, both candidates among the more mild-mannered legislators. Nevertheless, the race became heated. Kelley repeatedly hit Bentley over her ethics, with his specific attacks over her "ghost voting" (leaving her voting card behind while she was away from the Capitol and allowing other members to vote for her) throwing her campaign off balance. Kelley prevailed with 52% of the vote.

He was reelected to the state senate in 1996 and served one additional term in the assembly (2001–03) before retiring from elective office.

Electoral history + Member, California State Assembly: 1978–1992; 2001–03