Correa and Schott to run for Sanchez’ seat in the 46th Congressional District

U.S. Rep. Loretta Sanchez announced today that she is going to run for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Barbara Boxer.  It didn’t take long for O.C. politicians to start lining up to run for Sanchez’ seat in the 46th Congressional District.

Former State Senator Lou Correa, who lost to Andrew Do last year when they both ran for the O.C. Board of Supervisors, announced today that he is running to replace Sanchez in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“In response to the overwhelming encouragement of many of my friends and neighbors, many of whom I grew up with, I have decided to run for Congress,” Correa said.

But Correa won’t be getting a free pass from the Republicans.  Apparently Irvine City Councilwoman Lynn Schott, a Tea Party Republican, is going to run for the 46th Congressional District as well, according to Politics1.

You don’t have to live in the congressional district you run for unless you actually get elected.  And Schott grew up in Santa Ana, which is part of the 46th Congressional District.  Schott has a free pass as she just won her City Council seat last year and it is a four year term.  If she loses in her Congressional bid she will continue to serve on the Irvine City Council.

I suspect we will see additional candidates announce their own campaigns for the 46th Congressional District in the next few weeks.  In particular it would not be a surprise to see State Senator Janet Nguyen jump into the race.  And what if Santa Ana Mayor Miguel Pulido opts to run for Congress instead of running for reelection in 2016?  I am sure Correa won’t be the last Democrat to pile into what is sure to be a crowded primary election in 2016.