Former GOP county chair joins crowded race for Congress

Former county GOP Chairman Scott Baugh filed to join the crowded field on Friday, the last day to register. He’s also a former state assemblyman. (Photo By OCNative (talk), Public Domain)

SANTA ANA, Calif. — Democrats are targeting Congressman Dana Rohrabacher’s Orange County seat and now a well-known fellow Republican has entered the race.

Former county GOP Chairman Scott Baugh filed to join the crowded field on Friday, the last day to register. He’s also a former state assemblyman.

County Registrar of Voters Neal Kelley says Baugh is one of 16 candidates, including eight Democrats and six Republicans.

California’s 48th Congressional District includes Huntington Beach and other coastal cities. Rohrabacher has represented the area for 29 years.

Orange County once was a GOP stronghold but Democrats have gained significant ground. Hillary Clinton narrowly carried Rohrabacher’s district in 2016 but he still won by 16 percentage points.

Democrats have targeted four Republican seats in and around Orange County, including one held by retiring Congressman Darrell Issa.