Congressman-elect Steve Knight, R-Santa Clarita, was named Tuesday to the House Armed Services Committee, according to congressional officials.
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“I am truly honored to be a part of this committee,” Knight stated on his Facebook page. “As I promised, I will do all I can to keep (California) and our country safe.”
Voters from the 25th Congressional District named Knight to succeed Congressman Buck McKeon in November, when Knight defeated Tony Strickland, by 7,622 votes, 60,847-53,225.
McKeon is the current chairman of the Armed Services Committee, but his 11th and final term ends this month.
Knight has yet to resign his current state Senate seat in the 21st District, although a race is legally required to be called for within two weeks of his announcement.
Congressman Mac Thornberry, R-Amarillo, who’s scheduled to become chairman-elect of the House Armed Services Committee in January, when the 114th Congress convenes, announced the Steering Committee assignments with a statement on the committee’s website:
“The Armed Services Committee has always taken its constitutional responsibilities to the country and to our men and women in uniform very seriously. With the world growing more dangerous and a shrinking military, we have an enormous task ahead of us. I am very impressed with the qualifications of the new members of the committee and with their commitment to our national security,” Thornberry said. “I look forward to working with them and all members of the Committee on both sides of the aisle to meet the many challenges we face.”
Also joining Knight on the committee as new members are: Rep. Sam Graves, R-MO; Rep. Ryan Zinke, R-MT; Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-NY; Rep. Martha McSally, R-AZ; Rep. Steve Knight, R-CA; and Rep. Tom MacArthur, R-NJ.
From a previous story:
Related: Speculation Begins For Steve Knight’s State Senate Seat
“In the case of a vacancy in a congressional or legislative office the Governor shall issue a proclamation, within 14 calendar days of the occurrence of the vacancy, calling a special election,” according to Election Code 10700.
Knight is expected to be sworn in January for his new term, and he’ll likely resign shortly before then.
With two weeks of Knight’s resignation, county officials who will be responsible for the election are expected to be notified.
Several names have already expressed interest in the seat.
Related: Lancaster, Palmdale Mayors Keeping Eyes On 21st District
After county supervisors are notified, an election must be held at least 126 days after the notice, but no more than 140 days after, per the state’s Election Code.
“All voters, regardless of the party preference they disclosed upon registration, or refusal to disclose a party preference, may vote for any candidate for a voter-nominated office,” according to the code.
The top-two candidates will then take part in a run-off election, unless one of the candidates garners 51 percent of the vote.
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