Tony Strickland enters race to succeed Rep. McKeon; GOP fight expected
Former Republican state legislator Tony Strickland made it official Tuesday. As expected, he’s abandoning his challenge to Rep. Julia Brownley (D-Oak Park) and entering the race to succeed retiring Rep. Howard P. “Buck” McKeon (R-Santa Clarita) in a neighboring district.
Strickland’s entry sets up an intraparty fight with state Sen. Stephen Knight (R-Palmdale), who has said he would seek McKeon’s seat if McKeon decided to retire.
McKeon announced last week that he would not seek another term and is backing Strickland to succeed him.
“I support Tony Strickland because he shares our conservative values and he’s effective,” McKeon said in a statement released by the Strickland campaign.
Knight, who also touts conservative credentials, is endorsed by Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich.
Although Democratic registration is growing in the area, the 25th Congressional District still is considered by most to be Republican territory and the party still holds a registration edge there.
Three Democrats are considering a run, among them podiatrist Lee Rogers, who challenged McKeon two years ago and who is already actively campaigning.
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Twitter: @jeanmerl
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