james "sunny jim" rolph jr. (august 23, 1869 – june 2, 1934) was an american politician and a member of the republican party. he was elected to a single term as the 27th governor of california from january 6, 1931 until his death on june 2, 1934 at the height of the great depression. previously, rolph had been the 30th mayor of san francisco from january 8, 1912 until his resignation to become governor. rolph remains the longest-serving mayor in san francisco history.