Santa Barbara County Second District Supervisor Gregg Hart announced on Thursday that he is running for the California State Assembly.

“I am excited about the opportunity to be a voice for Santa Barbara County and Sacramento,” said Hart, a Democrat.

“I have enjoyed my service on the Board of Supervisors. My experience and insight into government will help me be an effective advocate for the county and all the residents of the 37th Assembly District.”

Hart, 62, has served in office for over three decades, from the Santa Barbara City Council to the Board of Supervisors. He was elected to the Board of Supervisors in an uncontested race in 2018 and served as chair in 2020. 

Candidates Jonathan Abboud and Gabe Escobedo have already announced that they are getting into the contest for the Assembly District seat. 

Abboud is a Santa Barbara City College trustee and general manager of the Isla Vista Community Services District. Escobedo, who announced his candidacy on Tuesday, is a member of the Santa Barbara Planning Commission.

The 37th District is currently represented by Steve Bennett, a Ventura County resident, who was elected in 2020. 

The primary election for the seat is in June 2022. 

— Noozhawk staff writer Joshua Molina can be reached at jmolina@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.