Representative Meldon Edises Levine

Meldon Edises Levine (born June 7, 1943) is an American attorney and former Congressman from California. He was born in Los Angeles, California, and raised in the Los Angeles area. Levine graduated from Beverly Hills High School in 1960 and is a member of the school’s Alumni Hall of Fame. His early academic distinction and leadership in secondary school presaged a career marked by public service and engagement in national policy.

Levine attended the University of California, Berkeley, where he was both student body president from 1963 to 1964 and valedictorian of his graduating class. He went on to pursue advanced studies in public affairs and law, earning a Master in Public Affairs from Princeton University in 1966 and a Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School in 1969. Following completion of his legal studies, he was admitted to the California bar in 1970, establishing the professional foundation for his subsequent work as an attorney and legislator.

After his admission to the bar in 1970, Levine entered private legal practice in California. He soon moved into federal legislative work, serving as a legislative assistant to United States Senator John V. Tunney from 1971 to 1973. In that role he gained experience in national policy-making and the legislative process in Washington, D.C. Returning to California, Levine continued his legal career while building a base in Democratic Party politics and public affairs, which led to his election to state office later in the decade.

Levine served in the California State Assembly from 1977 to 1982, representing his district in Sacramento during a period of significant debate over state fiscal policy, environmental regulation, and social programs. His tenure in the Assembly helped establish his reputation as a legislator and positioned him for election to federal office. In 1982 he was elected to the United States House of Representatives as a Democrat from California, beginning a decade-long congressional career.

A member of the Democratic Party, Levine served in the United States House of Representatives from 1983 to 1993, completing five terms in office. His service in Congress occurred during a significant period in American history, encompassing the final years of the Cold War, the Persian Gulf crisis, and major domestic policy debates. As a member of the House of Representatives, Meldon Edises Levine participated in the democratic process, contributed to the legislative process, and represented the interests of his California constituents. During his tenure, he supported the 1991 Gulf War Authorization Act, which authorized the use of United States Armed Forces pursuant to United Nations Security Council Resolution 678, reflecting his engagement with foreign policy and national security issues.

In 1992, rather than seeking reelection to the House, Levine ran for the United States Senate from California. He entered the Democratic primary for the seat but lost to Barbara Boxer, who went on to win the general election in November. With the conclusion of his House service in January 1993, Levine returned to private life and resumed his legal career, while remaining active in public policy and civic affairs.

Following his congressional service, Levine became counsel at the law firm Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, where he has advised clients on legal and regulatory matters drawing on his legislative and governmental experience. He also became a member of the board of directors of the Pacific Council on International Policy, reflecting his continuing interest in international affairs and national security. In August 2013, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti appointed Levine to the Board of Water and Power Commissioners, the governing body of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. On September 11, 2013, he was confirmed by the Los Angeles City Council as a member of the Board, later serving as its president before eventually leaving the Board.

Levine’s personal life has remained closely tied to California. He is married to Connie Bruck, a journalist for The New Yorker. From a previous marriage to retired Superior Court Judge Jan Greenberg Levine, he has three children: Adam, Jake, and Cara. In 2025, his son Jake announced a run for California’s 32nd Congressional District, extending the family’s involvement in electoral politics. Mel Levine lives in Pacific Palisades, California.