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Former Rep. Joe Baca takes steps to run for Fontana mayor this fall

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Former Democratic U.S. Rep. Joe Baca, who earlier this year lost a bid to return to the House, has found another office to try for -- mayor of Fontana.

Baca has taken steps to become a candidate in the November election, the Fontana city clerk’s office confirmed Monday. He has until Aug. 8 to complete the filing process.

The former congressman from Rialto, who has moved to Fontana, would face current Mayor Acquanetta Warren, who is seeking a second four-year term. Two others also have taken steps to run for the office.

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Warren, who once ran for state Assembly as a Republican, made local history four years ago when she became the first African American, and the first woman, elected mayor in the working class city of about 200,000.

Previously she served eight years on the Fontana City Council. She is also a public works department official for the city of Upland.

Baca represented an Inland Empire congressional district for 13 years before seeking re-election in a neighboring district in 2012. He lost that election to Rep. Gloria Negrete McLeod (D-Chino).

This year, Baca ran in the June 3 primary for the 31st Congressional District seat being vacated by Rep. Gary Miller (R-Rancho Cucamonga). He finished fifth and failed to make the fall general election ballot.

Military veteran Paul Chabot, a Republican, and Redlands Mayor Pete Aguilar, a Democrat, will compete for the Democrat-leaning district seat in the fall.

Baca was not immediately available for comment Monday.

Follow @jeanmerl for the latest in Southern California politics news.

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