KHTS Radio Santa Clarita Radio – Santa Clarita News
Suzette Martinez Valladares, a former Congressional candidate from Acton, announced Tuesday that she plans to instead run for the 38th California Assembly District, which includes Santa Clarita, against Assemblywoman Christy Smith, D-Santa Clarita, in 2020.
Valladares, an Acton resident and CEO of the Little Steps of Faith preschool in Sylmar, was initially one of four Republicans vying to run against Rep. Katie Hill, D-Agua Dulce, for the 25th Congressional seat.
However, with her Assembly campaign filed with the secretary of state on Tuesday, Sept. 3, Valladares was the first – and so far, only – candidate to file against Smith.
The move to campaign for an Assembly seat was prompted by several community leaders approaching Valladares after former Assemblyman Dante Acosta decided to accept a new job in Texas, according to Valladares.
“Upon having some deep conversations, I think we do need someone who reflects the values of the district in Congress,” said Valladares. “But the things that resonate with my family and with the 38th are mostly issues that need to be solved through Sacramento.”
Related: Acton Woman Announces 2020 Congressional Campaign Against Representative Katie Hill
Valladares filed Sept. 3, although there has been speculation since Acosta left the running about who would run against Smith.
“I was heavily approached to run for Assembly,” said Valladares. “That was only two weeks ago. It’s all been a whirlwind.”
Funds from her Congressional campaign are set to be transferred over to her new Assembly campaign, which, according to Valladares, should pose no legal issues since the money would be coming from a federal account and going to the state level, instead of vice versa.
In the face of shifting to the state level instead of federal, Valladares noted that her list of issues to focus on is not shrinking.
“Compared to when I thought I was going to Washington, I’m finding that my issues are expanding,” said Valladares.
She stated that solving the problem of homelessness, improving access to education and public safety ranked among her top concerns. Valladares is an early childhood education advocate, small business owner and mother. She stated that several issues are interrelated, and must be tackled repeatedly.
“I think that this is a huge opportunity in our district to elect somebody who shares their values, their concerns,” said Valladares. “Someone who truly understands their struggles and is able to represent their views.”
As of Tuesday, Valladares is the only candidate to date to run against incumbent Assemblywoman Christy Smith, D-Santa Clarita.
This would not be the first time that Valladares has run for State Assembly, as she ran in the 36th State Assembly District election in 2014, eventually taking 9.2 percent of the blanket primary vote.
Valladares’ official website was under construction as of the publication of this article, possibly in preparation for the upcoming switch between races.
Sponsored Articles
KHTS FM 98.1 and AM 1220 is Santa Clarita’s only local radio station. KHTS mixes in a combination of news, traffic, sports, and features along with your favorite adult contemporary hits. Santa Clarita news and features are delivered throughout the day over our airwaves, on our website and through a variety of social media platforms. Our KHTS national award-winning daily news briefs are now read daily by 34,000+ residents. A vibrant member of the Santa Clarita community, the KHTS broadcast signal reaches all of the Santa Clarita Valley and parts of the high desert communities located in the Antelope Valley. The station streams its talk shows over the web, reaching a potentially worldwide audience. Follow @KHTSRadio on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
She has my vote! Get Christy Smith out of there! She’s ruining our educational system and stepping on parental rights!
I guess this is her way of not being deported by her hero Drumpf
Congratulations on making a very good decision. We need some serious representation in this district. So far Christy Smith has locked herself in concert with Sacramento. That boycott she led against the Gazette and Doug Sutton will not be forgotten. I am encouraging you to stay strong and you will be supported.
So she ran in another district…and she still lives in that district? So serious representation means someone who doesn’t live in the 38th at all?
Nah, you won’t have my vote. Republicans seems to bring us back to the old days. I want to move forward. Republican values do not represent the 38th district. Her campaign issues of homelessness, education and public safety are typical campaign promises that every Republican seems to make and when they make it to office they gut all programs and funding for the homeless,education and hide behind the 2nd amendment with regards to public safety.
I too Feel A Change Is Needed, Knowing She’s A Veteran Such like myself. Where do I Sign up?. Politics is A Cut Throat Business!. I personally Campaign for Christy when she ran for Assembly And being I was Involved in the Election Process And After ALL My self And Others Did to get her Elected, I’m ashamed of myself. Count Mr in?????❤
Weren’t you the one stalking both female candidates last cycle? Seriously dude, go away.
Weren’t you the one stalking both female candidates last cycle? Seriously dude, go away.
Suzette is a fraud. If you truly know her you would know that she is a pathological liar… a fake… and just outright evil person. She says she lives in Acton but really lives in palmdale… I’m thinking Christy Smith has it easy with suzette.