Feinstein Endorses Redlands Mayor Aguilar for Congress in 31st District

Redlands mayor Pete Aguilar's run for Congress in the re-drawn 31st District has been endorsed by U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, his campaign announced this week.

Other candidates in the race for the 31st District include Rep. Gary Miller, R-Diamond Bar, and State Sen. Bob Dutton, R-Rancho Cucamonga.

"Pete Aguilar is the dynamic leader that San Bernardino County needs in Washington, someone who will defend working families, our seniors and the small businesses that are so crucial to California’s future," Feinstein, D-San Francisco, said in her endorsement.

"Pete will protect Medicare and resist efforts to reverse important new health provisions, ensuring that millions of Californians who were dropped from health coverage when they got sick can now stay protected," Feinstein said. "Pete has shown that he can get things done and will be a valuable addition to the U.S. Congress."

Earlier in April, Aguilar pledged to protect Medicare as a member of Congress, noting that the Congressional budget plan drafted by Cong. Paul Ryan could significantly lower Medicare enrollment and raise costs for thousands of future retirees in San Bernardino County.

"I am very grateful to have the support and encouragement of Senator Feinstein, whose work to reenergize our economy, advocate for infrastructure investments in the Inland Empire, and protect Medicare and Social Security has benefitted citizens in San Bernardino County and throughout our state," Aguilar said.

Aguilar, D-Redlands, is a small business owner and a fourth generation resident of the Inland Empire, campaign spokesman Doug Herman said in a statement.

"As Redlands Mayor, Aguilar has led efforts to reduce the city's budget deficit, establish a reserve fund, equip police with more tools to fight crime and make critical investments in local roads and infrastructure," Herman said.

Redistricting last year split retiring Rep. Jerry Lewis's 41st District into the new 8th and 31st districts. Lewis, R-Redlands, in January after 46 years in office.

A pdf copy of the new 31st District is attached to this report.