WHAT WE DO

California State Capitol Building Inner Rotunda

Advocacy

We pass new laws, no matter how ambitious or complex. We defeat bad legislation, no matter how much firepower is on the other side. We develop sound policy proposals that cut through the noise. We work with regulators to implement rules in a clear and advantageous fashion. We move government faster than it would otherwise move. We do all of this to support the goals of clients who are seeking to better the state of California and the world.

US Flags Waving

Public Affairs

We build broad support for policy outcomes. We assemble an army of powerful and diverse voices beside you. We call on our unmatched relationships with California’s leaders and the deep respect we carry with the most influential organizations in the state. We enhance reputations and establish political power for our clients.

Procurement Paperwork Signing

Procurement

We create markets where they didn’t previously exist. We win business with governments. We position government to support and enhance investment in the state. We call on our reputation as a respected intermediary to establish strong relationships between our clients and procurement officials.

WHO WE REPRESENT

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

  • “Blue Shield has benefited tremendously from Weideman’s high integrity, outstanding advocacy, and sophisticated strategies.”

    Paul Markovich

    President and CEO Blue Shield of California
  • “One of the top lobby firms, the Weideman Group.”

    CAL Matters

  • “There is no better lobbying firm in California than Weideman Group. I’m certain of it. They have helped us to enact bold policy over determined opposition, they have unmatched relationships with the leaders of the state and an incredible command over the legislative and regulatory process.”

    Kelly Kimball

    Chairman Motor Vehicle Software Corporation
  • “Weideman Group operates with a level of professionalism and expertise we simply haven’t seen before. They are highly trusted advisors that have helped us skillfully navigate complicated legislative and regulatory matters and they have consistently ushered through successful government procurements.”

    Stella Li

    President BYD Motors
  • “Weideman is a first-rate lobbyist and attorney, plugged into the Capitol on major issues. If it’s happening, he’s probably there.”

    Capitol Weekly

  • “The professionalism and tireless efforts of the Weideman Group played an important role in the extension of a legislative policy that was significant to our company and our customers in California. They exercise confident control over all facets of the policy making process.”

    KR Sridhar, Ph.D

    Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Bloom Energy
  • Mark Weideman, “...one of the top lobbyists in Sacramento.”

    The Hill

OUR TEAM

  • Mark Weideman
    Mark Weideman Principal

    Weideman has decades of experience representing some of the nation’s most sophisticated and politically powerful clients. He provides strategic advice and counsel to his clients designed to achieve their objectives before government entities and acts as their chief advocate before legislative, regulatory and administrative bodies. Weideman has been the architect of successful procurements that have landed clients billion dollar and multi-million dollar contracts. He designs grassroots campaigns that provide broad organic support for policy initiatives and he coordinates activity in local, state and national elections.

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  • Tim Valderrama
    Tim Valderrama Managing Director

    Valderrama is a Capitol veteran, having served in staff leadership roles in both the Senate and Assembly. As Managing Director of the Weideman Group, he spearheads strategic engagement with legislative, administrative and regulatory entities. Clients benefit from Valderrama's extensive knowledge of the legislative process and his strong bipartisan relationships with legislators, staff and administration officials. He has experience in all phases of political work including coalition building, grassroots mobilization, strategic planning, PAC management and legislative/initiative campaigns.

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  • Ryan McCarthy
    Ryan McCarthy Director of Climate and Clean Energy

    McCarthy has been a leader at the forefront of climate, energy, technology and transportation policy in California for nearly 20 years. He leads Weideman Group's growing climate and clean energy practice, where clients benefit from his deep analytical, regulatory and legislative expertise.

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  • Alma Barreras
    Alma Barreras Associate

    Barreras is a registered lobbyist for Weideman Group. She provides direct lobbying, strategic counsel, legislative tracking, regulatory monitoring and procurement services for the firm's clients. Barreras previously worked for the California Department of Education, where she helped spearhead the State Superintendent of Public Instruction's legislative and budgetary agenda. She also worked in the California State Legislature on legislative and budget matters. Barreras received her bachelor's degree from the University of California, Los Angeles. She is fluent in Spanish.

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  • Alejandra Durán
    Alejandra Durán Associate

    Durán is a registered lobbyist for Weideman Group. She provides direct lobbying, strategic counsel, legislative tracking, regulatory monitoring and procurement services for the firm’s clients. Durán previously worked for two California State legislators, as well as the Office of the Assembly Chief Clerk. She also worked in an advocacy position for a Sacramento based government affairs firm. Durán received her bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Davis. She is fluent in Spanish.

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  • Bethany Heckman
    Bethany Heckman Legislative Aide

    Heckman oversees the internal business operations of the firm and provides legislative and regulatory support for the firm’s clients. She previously worked in the California State Legislature in policy and constituent facing roles. Heckman also worked in operations and special project roles for several non-profit and community based organizations. She received her bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the California State University, Chico.

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  • Bernadette Sullivan
    Bernadette Sullivan

    Sullivan is a registered lobbyist for Weideman Group. She provides direct lobbying, strategic counsel, legislative tracking, regulatory monitoring and procurement services for the firm’s clients. Sullivan has over a decade of experience working in the California State Legislature where she oversaw legislation and state budget matters for a State Senator and State Assembly Member. She started her career in San Francisco where she focused on public policy, community organizing and local engagement. Sullivan received her bachelor’s degree from the University of San Francisco.

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  • Chris Valencia
    Chris Valencia Legislative Aide

    Valencia tracks legislation and regulatory matters for clients, ensures timeliness of submissions with government entities and supports the firm’s advocacy efforts. He previously worked for Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. in the Governor’s Appointments Unit. Valencia also worked in the State Legislature and on political campaigns. He received his bachelors degree in political science from the University of California, Davis.

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