Former California Republican Party chair Thomas Del Beccaro announced Sunday that he will seek the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by incumbent liberal Democrat Barbara Boxer upon her retirement in 2017. Del Beccaro is the second major Republican running for the seat, which is also being contested by Assemblymember Rocky Chavez (R-Oceanside).
In a statement, Del Beccaro said:
As a former Chairman of the California Republican Party, I know how crucial it is that Californians have a strong conservative choice in an election as important as this election.
I am running to give California the conservative choice it so desperately needs.
My experiences as a small business owner, an advocate and as a parent give me an understanding of what every day Californians want and need from their representatives in Washington.
Attorney General Kamala Harris is the leading Democrat in the race–and is considered a prohibitive favorite at present.