Businessman Stan Ellis has received the backing of an influential former Congressional leader in his bid for the California Assembly.
The big picture: Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy announced his endorsement for Ellis in the Assembly District 32 race.
- Ellis is looking to succeed Rep. Vince Fong (R–Bakersfield) in the Legislature. Fong left Sacramento to take McCarthy’s seat after the former Speaker retired from Congress.
Driving the news: Ellis runs quantum physics lab Quibitekk, which has contracts with the federal government for cybersecurity issues.
- He already has the support of a number of elected officials, including Fong, Rep. David Valadao (R–Hanford), Sen. Shannon Grove (R–Bakersfield), Asm. Alexandra Macedo (R–Tulare), Kern County Sheriff Donny Youngblood and others.
- The other candidates in the race are Chris Cruz-Boone, Holli Willibey and William Brown Jr.
What they’re saying: “Stan Ellis, a longstanding Central Valley business leader, has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to making our community a better place to live, work, and raise a family,” McCarthy said. “His commitment to supporting small businesses and farmers will make him an invaluable advocate in the State Assembly. We need a fighter like Stan in Sacramento to deliver real results for the Central Valley.”