GOP Assemblyman Jeff Gorell to challenge Rep. Julia Brownley

by Naph on March 28, 2014

Republican state Assemblyman Jeff Gorell announced plans Monday to run for Congress next year against Rep. Julia Brownley (D-Oak Park) in a Ventura County-based swing district.

Gorell’s candidacy puts an end to former state Sen. Tony Strickland‘s campaign to take on Brownley again. And it’s likely to add to speculation that Strickland will run for Rep. Howard “Buck” McKeon’s seat if the Santa Clarita Republican decides not to seek reelection.

Strickland already has endorsed Gorell, as have McKeon and a host of other GOP leaders, according to Gorell’s campaign announcement.

Brownley defeated Strickland, 53%-47%, last year in the newly drawn 26th Congressional District, where Democrats hold just a four-point registration edge over Republicans and where one-fifth of voters are not affiliated with any political party.