2 Democrats File Papers to Run for Secretary of State

Former state Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi and Assemblyman Tony Cardenas of Sylmar have filed papers stating an intent to run for secretary of state next year.

Garamendi, a former state legislator who twice ran unsuccessfully for governor, and Cardenas, who is serving his second term in the Assembly, filed with the secretary of state’s office this month to organize fund-raising committees.

The two Democrats join a primary election race against former Secretary of State March Fong Eu. Eu held the post for 20 years until 1994 and wants her old job back. Cardenas was not available to comment on his candidacy.

On the Republican side, former Assemblyman Keith Olberg of Victorville is considering a run for secretary of state. The incumbent, Bill Jones, a Republican, must leave because of term limits.