Christopher Mitchum (born October 16, 1943) is an American film actor, screenwriter, and businessman. He was born in Los Angeles, California, the second son of film star Robert Mitchum and Dorothy Mitchum. He is the younger brother of actor James Mitchum.

Film career

Mitchum appeared in more than 60 films in 14 countries. He appeared with John Wayne

California Assembly

In 1998, Mitchum was the Republican nominee in the general election for the California State Assembly in the 35th district, which included portions of Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties, where he served on the Republican Central Committee (1998–2000). His opponents were Democrat Hannah-Beth Jackson and Natural Law Party candidate Eric Dahl. Mitchum came in second behind Jackson with 44.5 percent of the vote to Jackson's 53 percent.

U.S. Congress

right|thumb|His father feeds Mitchum in 1946

In 2012, Mitchum ran for the U.S. House of Representatives as a Republican candidate in California's 24th district (San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and part of Ventura counties), challenging incumbent Democratic Congresswoman Lois Capps. In the June 5, 2012 primary, he came in third, behind Republican Abel Maldonado and Capps, and ahead of Independent candidate Matt Boutté.

In 2014, Mitchum ran again for the U.S. congressional seat held by Representative Capps. He won the June 3, 2014, primary (running alongside four other Republicans, two additional Democrats, and an Independent candidate), coming in second behind Capps with 15.8 percent of the vote, and narrowly defeating Republican Justin Fareed by slightly over 600 votes. In the November 4 general election, Mitchum received 48.1 percent of the vote to Capps's 51.9 percent, in the closest race of Capps's entire congressional career.

Despite the close margin by which Mitchum lost to Capps, as well as the announcement that Capps would retire in 2016, Mitchum ultimately declined a third run for the same seat again, and instead endorsed Assemblyman Katcho Achadjian for the race to succeed Capps.

Election statistics

Philanthropic positions

Mitchum has served on several organizations'boards of directors and has been a fundraiser for a number of charities.

  • Hollywood Benefit Horse Show, advisory board, 1996–present
  • ZONA SECA, Board of Director, 2011–present
  • Community Outreach for Prevention and Education chairman and honorary chairman, 1998–present
  • Liberty Program—gang-member rehabilitation program—board member, Santa Barbara, 1999–2001
  • Criminal Advisory Board for Fighting Back, Santa Barbara, 1999–2004
  • Public Policy Advisory Board for Fighting Back, Santa Barbara, 1999–2004
  • Board of directors, Police Activities League, Santa Barbara, 1999–2001
  • Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention Commission, chairman, for the governor's Office, State of California, OCJP January 1999
  • Autistic Treatment Center "Roundup of Autism": Honorary Advisory Council: 1994–2002
  • North American Riding for the Handicapped Association Advisory Board: 1992–96
  • Santa Barbara International Film Festival: Honorary Board 1988–92
  • Santa Barbara International Film Festival, board of directors: one-year term, 1987
  • Santa Barbara Civic Light Opera: founding chairman of the "Star Circle" fund-raiser, 1989

References

  • Chris Mitchum For Congress (archived link)
  • Politicit.com: Chris Mitchum Profile
  • Interview with Chris Mitchum, March 14, 2015, Belleville News-Democrat