Santa Barbara City College Trustee Jonathan Abboud announced on Thursday that he is planning to run for California State Assembly.
“I am passionate about the Central Coast and making it a better place for all who live here, raise a family here, work here, own a business here or attend school here,” Abboud said in a statement. “As a community leader, I will steer our state and counties towards a brighter future for all. I strongly believe in the practice of thoughtful, open and respectful communication.”
Abboud is a trustee for SBCC. He is also the general manager of the Isla Vista Community Services District. He previously ran for the 37th District Assembly seat in 2020 and won about 7% of the vote in a crowded primary.
“We need an energetic, selfless and responsible leader, one who will put the people and their rights first,” Abboud said. “I have never been afraid to take on and successfully address long-term tough issues at every level of my community leadership. An Assemblymember should serve and represent the people of this district and tackle the issues that they feel are most important.”
The state is currently redrawing Assembly and Senate districts. Under the current proposed map, Santa Barbara County would break up into its own Assembly district, stretching into San Luis Obispo County’s edge. Ventura would primarily get its own Assembly district.
Assemblyman Steve Bennett, D-Ventura, represents the 37th District.
The Assembly race in 2022 is likely to feature a crowded field, with a variety of names circulating, including Santa Barbara County Second District Supervisor Gregg Hart.
— 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.