From 2004 to 2010, Chuck represented almost 500,000 in the California State Assembly in much the same territory. He was the Vice Chairman of the Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation.

In 2010, Chuck competed for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate, earning more than 450,000 votes and raising more than $2.5 million.

Chuck has been honored as the Legislator of the Year by seven groups: the California Veterans of Foreign Wars, the California chapter of the American Legion, the California State Commanders Veterans Council, an umbrella organization of 19 veterans groups, the Southern California Contractors Association, the Young Republican Federation of California, the California College Republicans, and the Republican Party of Orange County. United Way of Orange County recognized Chuck in 2006 for his legislation improving childcare. In 2010, the Americanism Educational League named recognized him with their American Spirit Award.

Chuck worked in the aerospace industry for 13 years and was vice president of research before leaving work to begin serving as an elected official.

Chuck served as a Reagan White House appointee in the Pentagon from 1986 to 1988. As Special Assistant for Foreign Affairs his duties included working with Congress to advance the President's foreign and military policy.

From 1988 to 1990, Chuck served as Congressman Chris Cox's Senior Assistant.

From 1991 to 1996, Chuck served as a City Commissioner for the City of Irvine. He was Chairman of the city's Community Services Commission.

In 1983, Chuck enlisted in the United States Army Reserve. He earned an ROTC scholarship that allowed him to attend Claremont McKenna College where he graduated with honors with a degree in Strategic Studies in 1985 and was commissioned an officer. He also studied overseas at the American University in Cairo, Egypt. After more than 24 years of active reserve service, Chuck retired from the Army National Guard. He is now a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army (retired) Reserve. A graduate of the U.S. Army's Command and General Staff College, his awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with bronze oak leaf cluster, and others.

Since age 19, Chuck has been an active volunteer for the Republican Party, serving in the leadership of several organizations. He was elected to the Orange County Republican Party Central Committee in 1992 and was reelected four times. Chuck was Chairman of the Ethics Committee.

In 2004, The Claremont Institute named Chuck a Lincoln Fellow.

Chuck and his wife Diane were married in 1988. They have two daughters. Diane is a credentialed teacher and a member of the Federation of Republican Women.