Former Assemblyman Scott Baugh has made it official that he will run again for Congress in 2024. Last year, Baugh narrowly lost his bid to defeat incumbent Rep. Katie Porter, 51.72% to 48.28% – a race in which he was outspent 10-1.
Porter announced this morning she would not seek a fourth term in 2024 but run for the U.S. Senate instead. Baugh was unofficially laying the groundwork for a re-match with Porter next year, and the progressive Democrat congresswoman’s announcement accelerated his declaration for the 47th Congressional District. CA47 includes the cities of Seal Beach, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Costa Mesa and Irvine.
“This district has been home to my family and business for several decades and over the last year I was able to meet thousands of hard-working neighbors who want and deserve a representative focused on the needs of the district and the good of our nation,” said Baugh in a campaign statement issued shortly after Porter. “Voters are rightfully upset with the dysfunction in Washington and deserve better.
Baugh previously served as Assembly Republican Leader from 1999 through 2000, and later served as chairman of the Orange County Republican Party from 2004 to 2014. He founded the OC Marathon Foundation, a local charity that has helped teach 40,000 young people about exercise and nutrition, and as chairman of the Gang Reduction Intervention Partnership, which works with law enforcement throughout the county to keep kids out of gangs.
He is a trustee at Pacifica Christian High School of Orange County. Scott and his wife Wendy live in Huntington Beach. He has lived in the district for over 30 years.
Open Seat An Invitation To Democrat Politicians
Porter’s decision to run for U.S. Senate opens the door for other Democrats to run for the now open 47th Congressional District.
State Senator Dave Min is considered a likely candidate. Min actually ran for the seat in 2018, but finished third behind Porter, who went on to beat Rep. Mimi Walters in the November general election.
Other possible candidates include Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris and Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley.
