2 Republicans seeking to fill Rep. Gary Miller’s seat in Congress

Two Republicans have entered the race to succeed retiring Rep. Gary Miller (R-Rancho Cucamonga) in a district that has become increasingly Democratic.

They are San Bernardino City Councilman John Valdivia and Paul Chabot, a military veteran and small business owner who lives in Rancho Cucamonga.

Miller announced this week he would step down rather than seek another term in the Inland Empire’s 31st Congressional District.

No well-known Republican has stepped into the contest for what will be a tough district for the GOP to hold. Chabot, however, has endorsements from former GOP Rep. Jerry Lewis and former state Sen. Bob Dutton, both of whom used to represent much of the area.

Chabot “has what it takes to make a real difference in Washington,” Lewis said in a statement released Friday by the Chabot campaign.

Dutton, defeated by Miller in 2012, said: “I wholeheartedly support Paul for Congress, I think he’s the right man for the job.”

The area used to be a Republican stronghold, but the district has supported mainly Democrats in recent elections.

ALSO:

Gov. Brown says he can help solve state’s water crisis

Sen. Padilla rejects request by political foe on contributions

Atty. Gen. Kamala Harris will launch reelection campaign Wednesday

jean.merl@latimes.comTwitter: @jeanmerl