Gary DeLong (politician)


Gary Irving DeLong is an American politician. He was a member of the city council in Long Beach, California, serving since 2006.

Legislative career

DeLong represented the 3rd District of the city of Long Beach, California, and is currently chair of the budget oversight committee and the Federal Legislation Committee, as well as chairman of the Alameda Corridor Transportation Authority and the Los Cerritos Wetlands Authority. He is now out of office after terming out. DeLong also serves on the board of trustees for the Aquarium of the Pacific, the board of governors for the Long Beach City College Foundation, and the board of directors of the Long Beach Ronald McDonald House.

Community service

DeLong has been an active community leader in Long Beach for over 25 years by serving on the City’s Economic Development Commission, the Aquarium of the Pacific board of directors, the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Council, the Long Beach City College Foundation board of governors, the Long Beach Public Library advisory board of directors, the California Conference for Equality and Justice board of directors, the Rotary Club of Long Beach, the Wilson High School PTA, the Laurelcrest School for Girls board of directors, the ChildNet Youth & Family Services board of directors, and the Goodwill Industries of Southern California board of directors.

Education

DeLong earned his bachelor’s degree in business from California State University, Dominguez Hills and an MBA from the University of Southern California.

Professional background

DeLong is currently president of The RTP Group, a telecommunications consulting and software development company. He has been with The RTP Group since January 1988, serving as vice president – administration through 1990 and then vice president and chief financial officer until February 1995. Prior to joining The RTP Group, DeLong spent four years with Carter Hawley Hale Stores, Inc., a major North American retailer. His last position included corporate responsibility for both voice and data communications. Prior to joining Carter Hawley, DeLong was with Security Pacific National Bank for four years. He initially joined the Bank in a telecommunications capacity, however, served the last two years as assistant vice president – international banking product management.

Congressional run

On August 17, 2011, DeLong officially announced his candidacy for the United States House of Representatives in California's new 47th Congressional district. He has gained the endorsements of former California Governor George Deukmejian, House Majority Whip Congressman Kevin McCarthy, Congressman John Campbell, Congressman Dan Lungren, Congressman Dana Rohrabacher, Congressman Ed Royce, California State Board of Equalization Vice-Chair Michelle Steel, Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe, Orange County Supervisor Janet Nguyen, Long Beach City Auditor Laura Doud and others. He ran in the new all-candidate primary, against Democratic State Senator Alan Lowenthal. He lost this election by 29,530 votes.

Personal life

Councilmember DeLong lived in the Long Beach Park Estates area with his wife Dawna and daughters Danielle, Elizabeth and Katie.
He now lives in Belmont Heights.