Schwarzenegger backs candidate for Issa seat

Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Thursday threw his support behind Republican Rocky Chávez to replace outgoing Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) in the state’s 49th congressional district.

“He’s a tireless voice for kids & equal education. Rocky puts people over party, I’m proud to endorse him in #CA49,” Schwarzenegger tweeted.

9 years ago, I had faith in @RockyChavez4CA when I appointed him to our Dept. of Veterans Affairs. Now, I have faith that he’s the type of leader we need in Congress. He’s a tireless voice for kids & equal education. Rocky puts people over party. I’m proud to endorse him in #CA49

— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) January 11, 2018

As governor, Schwarzenegger appointed Chávez to run the state’s Department of Veterans Affairs. Chávez currently serves as a state assemblyman.

Chávez, 66, is one of two Republicans to enter the race, along with Diane Harkey, 66, a former state assembly member, according to local media.

{mosads}At least four Democrats are running for the seat. They include retired Marine Col. Doug Applegate, 63, who challenged Issa in 2016; Sara Jacobs, 28, a former State Department and United Nations aide who has been endorsed by EMILY’s List; Navy veteran Paul Kerr, 62; and environmental attorney Mike Levin, 38.

Under California’s primary system, the top two vote-getters advance to the general election, regardless of party.

Issa announced Wednesday that he won’t seek reelection from his district this year, though he did not say that he’s retiring from Congress entirely. Issa won reelection in 2016 by just over half a percentage point in a district that went for Democrat Hillary Clinton by about 7 points in the presidential election.

Sources told The Hill that Issa has been discussing a possible campaign in a neighboring San Diego district if Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.) resigns. Hunter has faced multiple ethics investigations.