Steven Chavez Lodge Biography: Age, Wife, Children, Net Worth, Height, Parents, Career, Party, Business

Steven Chavez Lodge is a retired homicide detective, U.S. Army veteran, and Republican politician from Southern California, who gained public attention through his runs for local office and a high-profile 2021 bid for California governor during the Gavin Newsom recall election.

A former Santa Ana police officer for 27 years, he earned honors including Officer of the Year and Detective of the Year before transitioning into consulting, public affairs, and community service.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Steven Chavez Lodge
• Stage Name: Steve Lodge
• Born: 1960s
• Age: 65–65 years old
• Birthplace: Southern California, California, United States
• Nationality: American
• Ethnicity: Hispanic
• Occupation: Retired Homicide Detective, Politician, Public Affairs Consultant, Small Business Owner
• Height: Unknown
• Religion: Christian
• Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Lodge
• Siblings: Roger Lodge
• Spouse: Janis Carlson (m. 2022); Karla Lodge (div. 2005)
• Partners: Vicki Gunvalson (ex. 2015–2020/2021)
• Children: 4
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $1 million

Early Life and Education

Steven Chavez Lodge was born in the early 1960s in Southern California, though his exact date of birth is unknown. Details about his parents remain private, though are referred to as Mr. and Mrs. Lodge. He has one known sibling, his brother Roger Lodge, a television and radio personality. Lodge attended the Police Officers Academy after high school and later obtained a degree in criminal justice.

His ethnicity is Hispanic, and he is identified as a Christian.

Career

Steven Chavez Lodge launched his professional journey in law enforcement after completing his education, serving 27 years with the Santa Ana Police Department as a patrol officer and homicide detective. During his tenure he received recognition as Officer of the Year and Detective of the Year, while also serving on the board of the Santa Ana Police Officers Association and its political action committee. Following retirement he worked as a consultant for construction firms and founded a public affairs company, Chamus & Associates, handling government and community relations.

His political career began with runs for Anaheim City Council District 1 in 2012 and 2016, where he placed fifth and then received stronger support in the second attempt. In 2021 he entered the California gubernatorial recall race as a Republican candidate, advocating for tougher crime policies and criticizing state leadership, though he received a small percentage of the vote. Lodge has also held appointments on the Orange County Waste Management Commission and the Anaheim Budget, Investment & Technology Commission, reflecting his ongoing commitment to local governance and conservative principles.

Awards and Nominations

• Officer of the Year, Santa Ana Police Department
• Detective of the Year, Santa Ana Police Department

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @stevelodge_oc
• Facebook Handle: Steve Lodge OC / Steven A Lodge
• Twitter Handle: @lodge4governor
• YouTube Channel: Unknown
• TikTok Handle: Unknown

Personal Life

Steven Chavez Lodge, the retired detective and politician, has been married four times, most recently to third-grade school teacher Janis Carlson since April 2022 in an intimate ceremony in Mexico. He shares four adult children and four grandchildren, all living in Southern California. He was previously married to Karla Lodge for 19 years before their 2005 divorce and was engaged to Real Housewives of Orange County star Vicki Gunvalson from 2019 until their split around late 2020 or early 2021. Lodge has described himself as a dedicated family man and remains active in community coaching and faith-based volunteering.

Net Worth

Steven Chavez Lodge has an estimated net worth of $1 million. He accumulated this through his long police department career and pension, consulting work in construction and public affairs, small business ownership, and earnings tied to his political campaigns and public service roles.