Candidates vying for elected office can begin filing the necessary paperwork Monday for the state's first open primary, when voters will go to the polls to select candidates ranging from county supervisors to president.
According to the Monterey County Elections Department, the State Senate seat held by Sam Blakeslee (R-San Luis Obispo), and the State Assembly seats currently held by Bill Monning (D-Carmel) and Luis Alejo (D-Watsonville) will be on the primary ballot on June 5.
Following the state supreme court's affirmation of redistricting lines recently drawn by an independent citizens redistricting commission, Sen. Blakeslee announced he would not seek a second term. Blakeslee won the seat in a special election in 2010.
Bill Monning, who recently wrote on Facebook that he received the Democratic Party endorsement at its convention in San Diego, is running for Blakeslee's seat in the newly-drawn 17th district, which now incorporates the City of Santa Cruz.
U.S. Rep. Sam Farr (D-Carmel) and Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-San Francisco) are also facing re-election. Farr, who has held the seat since 1993, won two-thirds of the vote in 2010.
California's primary has typically been too late to matter in presidential politics, but that could change this year in the GOP race. The state's 172 delegates could provide a boost to any candidate with the money and momentum to remain a contender. Newt Gingrich is expected in the Golden State starting Monday for fundraising events, and Rick Santorum reportedly made a surprise visit to the Coachella Valley over the weekend.
Candidates in all races, except those running for president or county central committee, will be running in the state's first open primary. Voters approved reforms to the system in 2010, meaning the top two vote-getters, regardless of party, will move on to the general election.
Candidates must file their intent by March 9.
