California State Assemblyman Rocky Chávez announced Thursday he will run for the U.S. Senate.
Chávez, a Republican who represents the 76th District in north San Diego County, will challenge Democrat Attorney General Kamala Harris -- and yet-to-be-announced candidates-- as they seek to replace outgoing U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer when she retires next year. Boxer has held the seat since 1993.
In a statement announcing his bid for 2016, retired Marine Col. Chávez said he wants to strengthen national security, focus on the state’s education and improve the economy.
"Our national security is a major concern, with ISIS growing bolder every day," Chávez said, "If things get worse overseas, who would Californians want representing them in the Senate? A lawyer from San Francisco or a Marine Colonel who knows how lives can be protected and understands the importance of keeping America and her allies safe and secure.”
Harris’ spokesman Brian Brokaw told The Sacramento Bee that the attorney general believes anyone who thinks they can best serve California should run for office and that she welcomes Chávez to the race.
Chávez started his career in the U.S. Marines after graduating from California State University – Chico. He spent nearly three decades in the military before retiring to serve as an Oceanside City Councilman and as acting secretary of the California Department of Veterans Affairs. Because of his work there, he said veterans issues are also critical to him.
The new Senate candidate has been serving in the state assembly since 2012.
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"I believe absolutely that I am a uniquely qualified candidate," said Chávez. "I'm a fighter who brings bi-partisan support to issues and gets them solved. I don't think any other candidate has that experience."
But Chávez may have a hard battle ahead in his blue state, where Democrats hold every statewide office and have more 2.7 million more registered voters compared to Republicans. When asked if he can win with those odds, he told the Associated Press, “I know I can.”
Tom Del Beccaro and Duf Sundheim, both former California Republican Party chairmen, are also talking about making a run for the Senate.
