BAKERSFIELD, CA - Kern County Supervisor Leticia Perez announced Monday she will run for the 16th State Senate District Seat.
After weeks of talking it over with her family, Perez said she's certain she's the best candidate for the job. Former State Senator Michael Rubio vacated the seat in February and took a governmental affairs job with Chevron.
Perez used to work for Rubio. She's also a former Kern County public defender.
Just four months ago, Perez was elected 5th District Supervisor and some voters feel Perez is abandoning her supervisorial seat by running for the 16th District. Here's what she had to say to that.
"I would have never imagined this situation would have presented itself," said Perez. "There are very unique and special circumstances and what is so exciting is that the 5th district sits within the 16th Senate District almost entirely. So, I do not have to leave the residence and the great and important constituents in the district. I would be serving them at the state level, bringing more funding to the valley."
Perez said she plans to campaign in the evening and weekends with an aim of building strong and stable families in this community.
So far, three other candidates have thrown their hat into the ring. Shafter City Councilwoman and Democrat Fran Florez as well as Fresno Republican John Estrada and Hanford Republican Andy Vidak.
March 29th is the deadline to file to run for the seat.
The primary is set for May 21st. The special general election is July 23rd.