Politics & Government
Vice Mayor McHugh Considering a Run for State Assembly
He would challenge incumbent Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont) for a spot representing the newly-mapped 25th Assembly District.
Citing changes he would make at the state level, Milpitas' Vice Mayor Pete McHugh has his eye on the newly remapped 25th Assembly District, in which the majority of voters are now in Santa Clara County instead of in Fremont.
To earn the spot, McHugh will have to defeat Assemblyman Bob Wieckowski in the June Democratic Primary. Both McHugh and Wieckowski are Democrats. Under new primary rules, the November election would go to the two candidates with the largest number of votes, even if they are from the same party.
Ironically, the southernmost portion of the new district in Santa Clara County resembles some of the 3rd Supervisorial District, where McHugh recently served for 12 years as County Supervisor.
Find out what's happening in Milpitaswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
"I'm looking at running for this seat so I could make changes at the state level," McHugh said Tuesday. "There should be a reduction in state spending, but not at the expense of local governments."
"I oppose dumping state prisoners on counties without the revenue to cover the cost of incarcerating them. I oppose unfunded state mandates," he added.
Find out what's happening in Milpitaswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
He continued, "I don't support the elimination of the redevelopment agencies with the and funding for affordable housing."
According to McHugh, Assemblyman Weickowski voted for the bills impacting RDAs and didn't meet with Milpitas City officials to discuss these issues.
The vice mayor said he will definitely make up his mind in February by the close of filing for the June 2012 ballot.
