Samuel Mark Aanestad held concurrent roles as a practicing oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a Republican politician in California. Over a career spanning medicine and governance, he transitioned from a dental practice in Grass Valley to a twelve-year tenure within the state legislature, serving in both the California State Assembly and the State Senate representing districts in the northern region.
Medical Practice and Education
Born in 1946 in Bismarck, North Dakota, Aanestad moved to California for his higher education. He earned a Bachelor of Arts and a Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of California, Los Angeles. His clinical training included a four-year residency in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Highland Hospital in Oakland. In 1991, he expanded his academic background by obtaining a Master in Public Administration from Golden Gate University. Professionally, he maintained a dental practice in Grass Valley and acted as Vice-Chief of Surgery at Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital. His industry involvement included serving as president of the Butte-Sierra District Dental Society and three terms on the California Dental Association Council on Legislation.
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Aanestad entered elected office through a 1998 victory for the 3rd District seat in the California State Assembly. He served in the Assembly until 2002, when he moved to the State Senate to represent the 4th district. During his eight-year tenure in the Senate, his legislative priorities focused on rural health care access, constituent services, and the protection of water resources in the North State region. Before his time in the state legislature, he gained experience in local governance by serving for eleven years on the Grass Valley School District Board of Trustees.
Electoral Campaigns
After departing the State Senate in 2010, Aanestad sought higher executive and federal offices. He campaigned for the Republican nomination for Lieutenant Governor of California in 2010, finishing second with 31% of the vote behind Abel Maldonado. In 2012, he entered the primary for California's 1st Congressional District, which was open due to the retirement of Wally Herger. In the open primary held on November 6, 2012, he placed third, behind fellow Republican Doug LaMalfa and Democrat Jim Reed, failing to advance to the general election.
Fast facts
- Born: 1946, Bismarck, North Dakota
- Died: 6 May 2018, Penn Valley
- Education: University of California, Los Angeles
- Assembly Tenure: 1998–2002
- Senate Tenure: 2002–2010
- Occupation: Dentist, Surgeon, Politician
- Citizenship: United States
Questions readers ask
What was Aanestad's background before entering politics?
He was a trained oral and maxillofacial surgeon who worked at Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital and maintained a private dental practice in Grass Valley.
Which offices did Sam Aanestad hold?
He served on the Grass Valley School District Board of Trustees, the California State Assembly, and the California State Senate.
