Assemblyman Brian Jones, who represents the 71st District that includes Idyllwild and Anza, has begun his third term. California law restricts him to three terms.
Last week, he announced his intent to seek the state Senate seat for the 38th District, which is largely in San Diego County. Jones has already assembled a campaign committee, “Jones for Senate 2018” for his anticipated race.
“When one door closes, another one opens,” Jones wrote to his constituents in an email. “In 2018, the current state senator representing the 38th District, Joel Anderson, will also be termed out. It’s my intention to run for that open Senate seat at that time — or sooner, if it becomes available before then.”
Of his tenure as an assemblyman, Jones said, “[It] has been the honor of a lifetime, and I’m proud of what I’ve been able to accomplish so far in Sacramento.”
The line to replace Jones has begun to form.
Last week, Randy Voepel, mayor of Santee in San Diego County, announced his campaign to succeed Jones as the representative of the 71st AD. In March 2014, Michael Harrison of Ramona and deputy chief of staff for Congressman Duncan D. Hunter announced his intention.
In Voepel’s announcement, he wrote, “As mayor of Santee since 2000, I’ve worked hard to build a strong record. Specifically, my tenure as mayor has been a demonstration of how conservative policies can work at a local level.
“As your Assembly member, I’ll continue to serve as a strong conservative voice,” Voepel concluded. “While California continues to slide into the liberal abyss, it’s now more important than ever that we have leadership willing to stand up for free-markets, low taxes and the Second Amendment.”
Harrison has already lined up the endorsement from several current and former Republican California congressmen and prominent San Diego County Republican officials.
In his announcement last year, he wrote, “The reason for our difficulties in California is not a mystery. Over-reaching regulations, high taxes and an unfavorable business climate create economic uncertainty and are driving good people and good businesses away. It’s that simple.”
In the November election, Jones handily defeated fellow Republican Tony Teora, 70 to 30 percent. Nearly 42 percent of the district is registered Republican, while only 28 percent of voters are registered Democrats.
