U.S. Rep. Julia Brownley, D-Thousand Oaks, announced she will retire at the end of her term, opening up a key congressional seat representing most of Ventura County and a portion of Los Angeles County.
A Democratic Stronghold Up For Grabs
The decision sets the stage for a competitive midterm election in a district long held by Democrats.
- Brownley’s retirement is linked to California’s Proposition 50,which aims to create five new Democratic seats to offset potential Republican gains in Texas.
- Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin of Thousand Oaks is reportedly considering a run for the seat, positioning herself as a frontrunner.
- The balance of power in the U.S. House is at stake, with Republicans currently holding a narrow 218-213 majority (with four vacancies).
- A portion of Brownley’s current district, including Simi Valley, will shift to the district represented by U.S. Rep. Brad Sherman,D-Sherman Oaks.
- Brownley is the second California Democrat to announce their departure from Congress, following former Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, also a Democrat from Thousand Oaks, has signaled her interest in succeeding Brownley, telling reporters she believes she is the “most obvious choice” for the position. The upcoming election is notably significant given the current composition of the House, where Republicans maintain a slim majority of 218 seats, while Democrats hold 213, with four seats currently vacant. All 435 seats are up for election in November.
What’s driving this change? Proposition 50, a California initiative, is redrawing congressional districts with the goal of adding five Democratic seats to counteract potential Republican gains resulting from redistricting in Texas.
Brownley’s declaration comes alongside the retirement of U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi of San Francisco, the former Speaker of the House. In San Francisco, State Sen. Scott Wiener, a Democrat and vocal critic of former President Donald Trump, has announced his candidacy for Pelosi’s seat, alongside former engineer Saikat Chakrabarti.
In a notice to constituents in Simi Valley, Brownley expressed confidence in the transition, stating, “You’re in great hands.” She highlighted U.S. Rep. brad Sherman’s record, noting his opposition to Donald Trump, advocacy for working families, and commitment to reproductive rights and constituent services. Brownley also pointed to endorsements from Governor Gavin Newsom, and U.S.Senator Alex Padilla.
Why did Julia Brownley retire? Brownley announced her retirement on Monday, citing a desire to spend more time with family. However, her decision is widely seen as strategically timed to coincide with the implementation of Proposition 50, which reshapes California’s congressional districts. Who is running to replace her? Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin has emerged as a leading contender, though other candidates may enter the race. State Sen. Scott Wiener and former engineer Saikat Chakrabarti are vying for Pelosi’s seat. What is Proposition 50? It’s a California ballot measure passed in november 2022 that aims to create an autonomous commission to draw new congressional districts, with the goal of increasing Democratic representation. How did it end? Brownley’s retirement sets the stage for a competitive election in November, potentially shifting the balance of power in the House of Representatives. The outcome will depend on voter turnout and the strength of the candidates.
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