Sen. Sharon Runner

[Sharon Runner] – Former Assemblywoman and State Sen. Sharon Runner has agreed to run in the upcoming March 17 Special Election for State Senate.  She previously provided conservative leadership for the northern Los Angeles County and the High Desert in San Bernardino County from 2002-2006 in the State Assembly, and from 2011-2012 in the State Senate.

“I’ve truly been moved by the outpouring of support from friends and colleagues in local government, community leadership and most importantly from my family,” said Runner.

Before deciding to run, Runner received encouragement and endorsements from then Senator, now Congressman Steve Knight, House Majority Leader and Antelope Valley Congressman Kevin McCarthy, Antelope Valley Assemblyman Tom Lackey, Santa Clarita Valley Assemblyman Scott Wilk and former Santa Clarita Valley Assemblyman Cameron Smyth.

“Over the past few weeks I’ve spoken with other potential Republican candidates about the importance of this race for California taxpayers.  In November, voters destroyed the Democrats Supermajority, giving Republicans the ability to block tax increases that many liberals are hoping to enact on items such as gasoline and services that would devastate local families.  We must maintain our conservative voting bloc,” explained Runner.

Several community leaders who considered running have already pledged their support to Runner including Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris, Lancaster Vice Mayor Marvin Crist, Santa Clarita Councilman Dante Acosta, Castaic Councilman John Kunak and Antelope Valley Transportation Authority Chairman and Supervisorial Field Deputy Norm Hickling.  Runner continues to discuss the race with other potential candidates in an effort to unify community leadership.

Runner will be filing her campaign finance forms now that it is appropriate to do so, and obtain and file nomination papers within the week.

The 21st Senate District includes the San Bernardino County communities of Adelanto, Apple Valley, Hesperia and Victorville and the Los Angeles County communities of Lancaster, Palmdale, unincorporated Antelope Valley and the Lakes Communities along with portions of the Santa Clarita Valley.