Just days after the state convention, California Democratic Party Chairman Rusty Hicks has announced his candidacy for the Assembly.
The big picture: Hicks announced Tuesday that he is running for Assembly District 2, currently held by Asm. Jim Wood (D–Healdsburg).
- Wood recently announced that he will not run for reelection in order to focus on his family. He would have had one more term in office before he would be termed out.
- Democrats appear to have a major advantage in the district, as Wood won with nearly 70 percent of the vote in 2022.
- Hicks has served as the chairman of the California Democratic Party since 2019.
What they’re saying: In his announcement, Hicks said he sees the struggles that the north coast communities face daily, including the rising cost of living and the challenges in accessing healthcare.
- “My life’s work has been dedicated to uplifting and empowering those around me – ensuring they got a helping hand when they needed it most,” Hicks said in a statement. “In the State Assembly, I will bring my experience as an educator, organizer and veteran to help our north coast neighbors and all Californians.”
