Capitol Weekly’s Top 100: Jason Liles

73. Jason Liles

Yes, we know that current Senate pro Tem Mike McGuire is soon to become pro Tem Emeritus McGuire. But as we write these words he is still on the job and has been all year, as has his top consultant. Liles first stepped in last year to keep the trains running on time in the pro Tem’s office when McGuire’s Chief of Staff Rebecca Wachsberg – easily one of the most respected chiefs in the building – went out on maternity leave. But that should not have surprised anyone. Liles has been with McGuire since his days on the Healdsburg City Council, and as such is his go-to man on policy and more, the guy the boss goes to get things done. His role is probably going to be even more significant now as McGuire tries to get his own agenda items across the finish line before Monique Limón takes over next year some time. Liles is McGuire’s fixer, the guy the pro Tem turns to when he needs something done, and that is worthy of a spot on this list so long as his boss remains in power.

Updated August 26, 2025