The Buzz: State Sen. Steve Knight plans congressional bid

Republican State Sen. Steve Knight of Palmdale will join a growing field of candidates – including another high-profile Republican – competing to succeed veteran Rep. Howard “Buck” McKeon if he retires at the end of next year.

“My commitment to this community has been for a lifetime,” Knight said in prepared statement Tuesday. “Serving as a member of Congress representing my childhood friends, law enforcement colleagues and neighbors would be an honor.”

Knight’s announcement came just days after fellow Republican and former Sen. Tony Strickland filed paperwork to run in McKeon’s 25th Congressional District. A Strickland spokesman later said he would seek the seat only if McKeon doesn’t pursue a 12th term in Congress.