The filing period for candidates hoping to get your votes in the June 5 Primary Election closes today at 5 p.m., and several of your neighbors – and some people you may have never heard of – are ready to start the battle for public office.

Since California voters approved an Open Primary in 2010, the two final contenders for partisan offices need not be of opposing parties; instead, the two candidates with the highest number of votes would be matched against each other in the decisive election in November. For nonpartisan offices, if one candidate gets 51 percent of the vote, there is no runoff election; this rule does not apply in partisan contests.

Contending for the 25th Congressional district seat is the incumbent, Buck McKeon; challenged by Republican Dante Acosta, a local financial consultant and Democrat Laura Molina, who is an artist. Candidate Lee Rogers, a Democrat who has been running an active campaign, had not yet filed, but the County Registrar/Recorder’s office said that several candidates were waiting until the last minute to turn papers in.

In the 38th Assembly District, three Republicans  – businesswoman and legislative spouse Patricia McKeon, school board member Paul Strickland and legislative consultant/small business owner Scott Thomas Wilk and one Democrat – small business owner Edward Headington – are in the fray to win that seat.

Another seat of local interest is that of District Attorney; it is a nonpartisan office. Five contenders are going up for the office currently held by Steve Cooley, who chose not to run. They include Los Angeles District Attorney Carmen Trutanich, current Chief Deputy DA Jackie Lacey, gang prosecutor Alan Jackson and Deputy District Attorneys John Breault and Bobby Grace.

Since California voters approved an Open Primary in 2010, the two final contenders for partisan offices need not be of opposing parties; instead, the two candidates with the highest number of votes would be matched against each other in the decisive election in November. For nonpartisan offices, if one candidate gets 51 percent of the vote, there is no runoff election; this rule does not apply in partisan contests.

Let the games begin.

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Acosta released the following statement Friday:

Gold Star Father, financial advisor, and pro-military advocate Dante Acosta has officially filed as a candidate for California’s 25th Congressional District. The 25th Congressional District covers Santa Clarita, Simi Valley, the Antelope Valley, and Porter Ranch. Mr. Acosta is an active member in his community. Since the death of his son, U.S. Army SPC Rudy Acosta, one year ago Mr. Acosta has been an outspoken advocate for our military’s force protection protocols.

“We are facing unprecedented economic challenges and global pressures that threaten our security and way of life,” Acosta says. “However, I strongly believe the American dream is still alive.”

As a strong conservative and principled leader, Mr. Acosta believes in a common sense government. “I believe in a strong military, helping small businesses create more jobs, and ensuring a bright economic future. As a leader my moral compass dictates the highest ethical behavior and standards for this office.”

“I am running because I want to see the 25th to be adequately represented. Having to deal, first hand, with the lack of leadership in this district has motivated me to pick up the torch and run this race. I want to be sure the great people of this district have a strong representative who listens to, communicates with, and cares about them.”

Dante Acosta is a long time resident of the Santa Clarita Valley. He is a senior financial advisor, a Gold Star father, and advocate for our military. He currently lives in Canyon Country with his wife of 26 years, Carolyn, and his two children.