8 candidates, 2 seats: Who’s running for state Assembly in SLO County?
The primary election is just around the corner, and voters will notice a change to San Luis Obispo County’s state Assembly district.
Instead of entirely being in one district, SLO County will now be represented by two legislators in the Assembly.
The 35th Assembly District, which used to include all of San Luis Obispo and northern Santa Barbara, moved north into District 30 — leaving behind Santa Barbara and picking up parts of Monterey and Santa Cruz counties. Meanwhile, Nipomo joined Santa Barbara County in District 37.
In total, eight candidates are competing for the two seats. The primary election on June 7 will determine the top two vote-getters for each seat. They will advance to the general election in November.
Jordan Cunningham, a Templeton resident who currently represents District 35, isn’t running for a fourth term under the new boundaries. But there are plenty of other candidates to choose from — with some familiar faces.
Here’s who’s running to represent San Luis Obispo County in the California Assembly.
Who’s running for the 30th District?
Five candidates are fighting for one two-year term to represent District 30, which includes parts of San Luis Obispo, Monterey and Santa Cruz counties.
Dawn Addis, a Morro Bay councilmember and co-founder of Women’s March San Luis Obispo, ran for state Assembly in 2020 and is running again to represent the new district.
Also on the ballot are Zoë G. Carter, the director of operations at the Monterey County Business Council; John Drake, a Cal Poly student who recently ran in the 2021 gubernatorial recall election; Vicki Nohrden, who ran for state Senate in 2020; and Jon Wizard, a retired firefighter and police officer who now serves on the Seaside City Council.
The San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce will host a forum with the District 30 candidates on April 26 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. The chamber is expected to ask candidates about legislation relating to local businesses, jobs, housing and homelessness, education and climate change.
The event will take place at SLO Public Market. Tickets cost $20 for members and $50 for non-members. Employees of chamber-member businesses can also receive member pricing for the debate.
What about the 37th District?
The two-year seat for District 37 is also up for election — with three candidates competing for votes. Candidates include Santa Barbara County Supervisor Gregg Hart, Goleta writer Bruce Wallach and Santa Maria small-businessman Mike Stoker.
District 37 represents Nipomo and Santa Barbara County.
