George Deukmejian

George Deukmejian – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes

Learn about George Deukmejian (1928–2018), the American politician who served as California’s governor and attorney general. Discover his background, political approach, quotes, and lessons from his public service.

Introduction

George Deukmejian, full name Courken George Deukmejian Jr. (June 6, 1928 – May 8, 2018), was an American politician and attorney notable for his tenure as the 35th Governor of California (1983–1991) and as the state’s Attorney General before that.

A Republican known for his “law and order” stance, fiscal conservatism, and pragmatic governance, Deukmejian left an enduring imprint on California politics. In this article, we explore his life, political path, ideas, legacy, and some of his more remembered quotations.

Early Life and Family

George Deukmejian was born in Menands, New York, on June 6, 1928.

His ancestry traces to Armenian immigrants from the Ottoman Empire. His father, Courken George Deukmejian (Sr.), was born in Aintab (present-day Gaziantep, Turkey) and worked as a rug merchant.

Deukmejian completed a B.A. in Sociology from Siena College in 1949 and earned a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from St. John’s University in 1952. Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG).

In 1955, he moved to California (Long Beach area), partly motivated by family connections and the significant Armenian community. Gloria Saatjian on February 16, 1957; she too came from a family with Armenian immigrant roots.

Early Political Career

After relocating to California, Deukmejian built a career in law and public service.

• In 1962, he was elected to the California State Assembly, representing a district in Long Beach.

• In 1966 (term beginning 1967), he was elected to the California State Senate, where he served until 1979.

• While in the Senate, he rose in influence, eventually becoming a leader of the Republican caucus.

In 1970, Deukmejian ran for California Attorney General but did not succeed in the Republican primary. Attorney General of California (1979–1983).

As attorney general, he positioned himself as a strong proponent of criminal enforcement, supported capital punishment, and often clashed with Governor Jerry Brown over law enforcement policies.

Governorship (1983–1991)

Election and Political Context

In 1982, Deukmejian secured the Republican nomination and ran against Tom Bradley, the Mayor of Los Angeles, in the general election. Despite polls that often favored Bradley, Deukmejian won by a narrow margin (~1–2 percentage points).

In 1986, he ran for re-election and defeated Bradley by a much larger margin, consolidating his position.

Policy Orientation & Governance

Deukmejian governed with a reputation for being tough on crime, fiscally cautious, and pragmatic. He framed himself as a “law and order” governor and prioritized public safety, prison building, and enforcement.

His administration often faced a Legislature controlled by Democrats, requiring negotiation and occasional veto usage.

Deukmejian generally avoided raising taxes, instead seeking to control spending and veto items he deemed nonessential.

He also opposed some environmental or development restrictions he saw as overreaching, and he sometimes scaled back or redirected regulatory initiatives.

In 1988, Deukmejian was even considered as a possible vice presidential pick for the Republican ticket, though he declined.

Deukmejian chose not to seek a third term in 1990, partly because of the newly imposed term-limit law for California governors.

Later Life and Legacy

After leaving the governor’s office in January 1991, Deukmejian joined the law firm Sidley & Austin and remained involved in various public and civic projects.

A courthouse in Long Beach was named after him in 2013 in recognition of his public service.

George Deukmejian passed away on May 8, 2018, at the age of 89, at his home in Long Beach, California.

His legacy is mixed: praised by supporters for firmness on crime, fiscal responsibility, and judicial appointments; criticized by opponents for an emphasis on incarceration, underinvestment in social services, and controversial vetoes or deregulation.

Personality, Style & Approach

Deukmejian was often described as disciplined, serious, and steady. He emphasized law enforcement, structural governance, and incremental change over grand ideological shifts.

He earned the nickname “The Iron Duke” (a play on strength and firmness) during his political career.

He had a reputation for pragmatism: willing to work with political opponents when needed, selective in his vetoes, and cautious in his reforms.

His heritage as an Armenian American in mid-20th-century politics added a dimension of immigrant roots and resilience to his public image.

Selected Quotes

Here are some remembered quotations attributed to George Deukmejian:

• “Every lie has 2 parts — the lie we tell others and the one we tell ourselves to justify it.”

• “The difference between golf and government is that in golf you can’t improve your lie.”

• “My understanding has always been that if there is any indication that pesticides are harmful, that they would not be allowed to be used.”

• “I don’t see any need to unduly burden the taxpayer.”

• “I’m not an expert in it, but it seems to me that you have to let the market forces go their course.”

• “Whether I sign a bill or not, is generally an expression of my personal view on the subject. It’s not an interpretation of an existing law.”

These quotes reveal his concerns with honesty, governmental overreach, respect for voters’ resources, and humility about expertise.

Lessons from George Deukmejian’s Life

From his life and career, we can draw several instructive lessons:

1. Consistency in principles matters
   Deukmejian maintained a consistent posture of fiscal restraint, law enforcement, and cautious governance. This built credibility and predictability.

2. Working within constraints
   Governing in a state with a hostile or opposing legislature required negotiation, selective action, and use of veto power wisely.

3. Balancing safety and social investment
   His focus on crime and prisons achieved certain results—but also sparked debates about the costs and trade-offs. Leadership often demands balancing competing priorities.

4. Pragmatism over ideology
   Deukmejian’s temperament favored incremental change over sweeping reforms; this approach can foster stability and reduce backlash.

5. Legacy is multidimensional
   His legislative, judicial, and infrastructural decisions outlast his terms; leaders often are judged not only by rhetoric but by structural changes they enact.

Conclusion

George Deukmejian’s journey—from an Armenian immigrant family in New York to becoming one of California’s more influential governors—illustrates the power of perseverance, legal acumen, and political steadiness. His governance style, rooted in law and order and fiscal discipline, had both devoted adherents and vocal critics.

Though not a household name outside California, his impact on the state’s judicial, penal, and legislative frameworks endures. His life underscores how—and to what extent—governors can shape state direction, public safety policy, and institutional norms.