Supervisor James T. "Jim" Beall, Jr. was born in Santa Clara County in 1952. He attended San Jose State University, graduating with a BA in political science. He served on the San Jose City Council for fourteen years prior to his election in 1994 to the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, on which he served for twelve years. While on the Board, Supervisor Beall chaired the Children Seniors and Families Committee and served as vice chair of the Legislative and Public Safety and Justice Committees. He was chair of the Board in 1996, 2001, and 2006. From 1998 to 2000, Supervisor Beall also chaired the Metropolitan Transportation Commission. Supervisor Beall's interests and concerns included increasing health care access, providing efficient transportation, and creating affordable housing. In 2006, Supervisor Beall won election to the California State Assembly for the 24th District, serving three two-year terms. In 2012, he was elected to the California State Senate for the 15th District, where he served two four-year terms.