HIGH DESERT – Former Assembly Member and state Senator Sharon Runner is considering a run for the state Senate District 21 seat soon to be vacated by Steve Knight. In a news release issued Monday, Runner said she was “responding to the massive outpouring of support and encouragement from community leaders and district residents asking her to run for state Senate.”
“I’m truly touched and humbled by the encouragement I’ve received to run for state Senate. In particular, I’d like to thank Congressman-elect Steve Knight for his support and endorsement. As the current officeholder and our good friend, his encouragement is particularly meaningful,” Runner stated.
Runner said she also has received endorsements and online encouragement from House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, Assembly Member Tom Lackey, Assembly Member Scott Wilk and former Assembly Member Cameron Smyth. Runner said she is now “taking the first steps to form a campaign operation pending a final decision, once the Governor calls an election.”
State election law mandates that a special election be held for legislative vacancies. The date is set by the Governor within certain calendar requirements. Should Senator Knight step down this weekend or early next week as expected, the date of the special election will likely be sometime in March, with a runoff, if necessary, likely in May.
“Over the next few weeks, prior to the call of the election, I’ll be reaching out to other potential candidates and community leaders throughout the district to discuss the pressing challenges facing California,” Runner stated. “What’s truly important is that we send someone to Sacramento as quickly as possible to combat the job-killing over-regulation, over-taxation and the dangerous situation created by early release of felons by Prop 47 and realignment,” concluded Runner.
Runner was previously a member of the California State Assembly from 2002 to 2008, representing the 36th district. She was elected by a 2-1 margin in the 2011 Senate Special Election. The following year, Runner announced she would not seek re-election, saying she was “retiring from elected office to focus on business and philanthropic efforts.” [Read more here.]
Palmdale Mayor Jim Ledford last month announced he was forming an exploratory committee to evaluate his candidacy for state senate. [Read more here.]
The 21st Senate District includes the San Bernardino County communities of Adelanto, Apple Valley, Hesperia and Victorville; the Los Angeles County communities of Lancaster, Palmdale and unincorporated Antelope Valley; and the Lakes Communities, along with portions of the Santa Clarita Valley.
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Previous related stories:
Palmdale Mayor to assess his candidacy for 21st State Senate District
Senator Sharon Runner won’t seek re-election
Sen. Sharon Runner on lung transplant list
Bizarroworld says
This is the strange political world we live in in the Antelope Valley. Sharon Runner resigns from her Senate seat for health reasons and drops off the world for three-four years. The only sign that she is alive is that she pops up on Facebook pages now and then in photos from vacations. Not only that, they actually live in Sacramento. Now, when the local Republicans get hoisted by their own petard in electing Steve Knight to Congress with no backup plan, they wheel out an invalid and act like it’s some sort of “third rail” to mention her health.
This woman has cost the taxpayers millions of dollars in special elections and shill seats in Sacramento to collect a paycheck. And people wonder why the Antelope Valley can’t get any respect. We keep recycling ineffective politicians.
insider/outsider says
when was the last time tobacco was grown in Antelope Valley “never” does that tell you anything?
insider/outsider says
Runners accepted thousand from tobacco lobbyist ! that should tell you about their morals.money hungry!
bird says
insider/outsider—With just about every article there seems to be a drive by commenter that throws in a falsehood (lie) about a person, never to be heard from again. Once again, Sharon Runner had a double lung transplant, due to scleroderma, an autoimmune disease. She did not smoke!
callitasitis says
Every political figure we get has some type of lobby groups behind them; it is the shady side of politic. I think most people do not like because “they” get to play/use OUR taxes (money). I prefer that all dealing with ANY lobby group be fully disclosed and on FULL public record on their government website.
callitasitis says
“Please” we do not need more career politicians. Can they PLEASE stay in the private sector and get some new blood in government leadership. Why do we keep getting recycled politicians?
Mr. Mister says
If anyone remembers the Runners’ tenure representing this valley then this should disturb you. I guess that is unless you like being represented by crooks.
William says
I guess the Runner household needs the income. Why else would she run? She’s useless.
insider/outsider says
Runner+$$$$+Tobacco+Lobbyist+Lungs=????
Just Saying says
Even though I’m not a big fan, this comment is confusing. I know she had a lung transplant due to an auto immune disease. I don’t know if she smoked, referring to the Tobacco slam. And I couldn’t dig up any other controversy on the internet. Maybe you could give us something specific, or a link, to whatever any of that means.
Gowchong says
She never smoked. Her lung transplant was necessitated because of an autoimune disorder.
bird says
insider/outsider—Sharon Runner suffered from an autoimmune disorder which required a double lung transplant. Nothing to do with tobacco.
bird says
I support you, and thank you for your service!
Gowchong says
Lady Bird…I completely agree with you.
And “insider/outsider” what does tobacco have to do with this? Making assumptions? State your facts with bona fide verifiable references. Then speak.