Labor Leader, Chula Vista Councilman Among 80th State Assembly Election Candidates

Gov. Jerry Brown Tuesday set a May 21 date for a special election to fill the Assembly seat recently vacated by Ben Hueso, who is now a state senator.

Two weeks ago, Hueso (D-San Diego) won a race to replace Juan Vargas, who was elected to Congress in November. Hueso was sworn in last week.

If no candidate wins the 80th Assembly District seat outright in May, a runoff election will be held July 30, according to Brown.

Declared candidates currently include two Democrats–Chula Vista Councilman Steve Castaneda and Lorena Gonzalez, CEO of the San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council.

The 80th District encompasses southern portions of San Diego County including San Diego neighborhoods that border Imperial Beach, Otay Mesa and parts of Chula Vista and National City.

Imperial Beach used to be part of the district but after 2012 election results is now part of the 78th Assembly District and is represented by Assemblywoman Toni Atkins.

City News Service contributed to this report.