Capitol Weekly’s Top 100: Chris Woods

16. Chris Woods

If Jason Sisney was unfazed by this year’s budget deficit, Chris Woods, his Senate counterpart, was doubly composed, having been in his role as the Pro Tem’s top budget advisor two years longer. Something of a local boy, with undergraduate and law school degrees from UC Davis, Woods is one of the standard bearers of California budget negotiations, having been involved in more state budgets than the current Pro Tem, Speaker or governor. At this point, his expertise is unparalleled, giving him and the Senate a strong hand under any scenario, deficit or surplus. Given the whopper of a hole in this year’s budget, along with the inexperience of both legislative leaders in dealing with such a beast, Woods’ years of experience and widely respected expertise make him invaluable.

Updated Aug. 7, 2024