Longtime California political consultant Joe Shumate dies at age 69

Longtime California political consultant dies

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Longtime California political consultant Joe Shumate has died at the age of 69.

State Republican Party Chairman Ron Nehring says Shumate was found dead in his Sacramento apartment Friday. The cause of death hasn’t been determined, but Nehring says no foul play is suspected.

Shumate, a senior adviser to U.S. Senate candidate Carly Fiorina, was one of California’s most influential political consultants.

A graduate of San Francisco City College and San Francisco State University, he previously was deputy chief of staff to former Gov. Pete Wilson. Shumate also worked for Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, helping him in his initial run for governor in 2003, then in Schwarzenegger’s successful re-election bid in 2006.

In addition, Shumate advised the California Chamber of Commerce and had worked on a number of local and statewide ballot measures.