Takasugi Won’t Run for Senate
Former state Assemblyman Nao Takasugi said Tuesday he will not run for the state Senate seat being vacated next year by veteran Simi Valley lawmaker Cathie Wright.
Takasugi, a Republican, had been considered by many the best candidate to square off against 42-year-old Assemblyman Tom McClintock (R-Northridge) for the Republic nomination.
“I’m proud of what I helped accomplish during my six years in the state Assembly and 16 years as mayor and councilman in Oxnard. There is still more I want to do, but this is not the avenue I’m looking for,” Takasugi said.
The 76-year-old politician, who had a heart attack and quintuple-bypass surgery a year ago, said he wants to spend more time with his family. Takasugi has not decided whom he will support in the Senate race.
Wright’s 19th District seat represents the northwest portion of Los Angeles County and Oxnard and Port Hueneme.
Wright, 69, has been in the Legislature since 1980 and cannot seek reelection because of term limits.
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