OC Political

In an announcement that surprises no one, Assemblyman Don Wagner has announced his bid for the State Senate seat being vacated by Senator Mimi Walters, who has been elected to Congress.  Walters and Senate Republican Leader Bob Huff have endorsed Wagner for Walters’s old seat.

The Assemblymember from the other half of SD-37 is unlikely to run, as it is Allan Mansoor, who is too badly damaged from his landslide defeat of 62.3%-37.7% for Supervisor at the hands of Michelle Steel.  Mansoor will be a former Assemblyman by the time the Senate election rolls around early next year, at which point Matt Harper will have replaced Mansoor, but Harper is definitely not running for Senate.

Wagner is such a prohibitive favorite that multiple candidates for Wagner’s seat have already been collecting support to succeed Wagner after his presumptive election to the Senate.  Here is the announcement he sent out yesterday…

ASSEMBLY MEMBER DONALD P. WAGNER RELEASES STATE SENATE CAMPAIGN ANNOUNCEMENT IRVINE – Assembly Member Donald Wagner (R-68) announced his run for the open 37th State Senate District. Senator Mimi Walters’ election to Congress will leave a vacancy, which will be filled shortly by a special election called by Governor Brown. “Congratulations to Sen. Mimi Walters on her election to Congress. She has been a fierce advocate for pension reform and a strong ally to small businesses. Her experience and insight in Washington will benefit Orange County, and the entire country,” Wagner said. “With the support of my family, friends, and numerous community leaders, I am excited to announce my candidacy for that 37th State Senate District seat here in the heart of Orange County,” Wagner said. Assemblyman Wagner received the endorsement of Senate Republican Leader Bob Huff, Congresswoman-Elect Mimi Walters and many more local elected leaders in the district. “I am pleased to endorse Don for the 37th Senate district,” said Senator Huff. “Don has been a solid conservative voice during his time in the Assembly. He understands the serious issues we face in the State of California and will provide thoughtful solutions to move us forward.” “I am sincerely grateful to the voters who have sent me to Sacramento for three consecutive terms in the legislature,” said Wagner. “I turn to them again for their support to continue delivering the conservative, pro-business, limited government message I have championed during my time in State government. I would be honored to continue that work in the California State Senate.” For more information about his campaign or to receive regular updates, please visit www.wagner4senate.com or contact the campaign at (714) 514-1888.