One Day Brings Major Political Changes for Loma Linda/Redlands

Over the course of just a few hours Thursday, an Inland Empire congressional district that had been in limbo for several months found out it was the subject of major changes.

Early Thursday morning, Redlands Mayor Pete Aguilar announced he would run for California’s 31st Congressional District.

About an hour later, Aguilar said he learned of Congressman Jerry Lewis’ (R-Redlands) announcement that will not seek re-election after more than three decades in office.

Hours after that, Congressman Gary Miller (R-Diamond Bar) announced he was running for re-election and wanted Lewis’ averting a face off him and fellow Republican Congressman Ed Royce for the newly formed 39th District.

The activity is the first since a stream of opposition voiced by political leaders over the new district boundaries. Redlands had originally been split down the middle, while Loma Linda was grouped with Colton and the west end cities.

The final map groups the more Republican Redlands, Loma Linda and Rancho Cucamonga with the Democratic Colton, Grand Terrace, San Bernardino, Muscoy and Rialto. This creates a more democratic leaning district.

This could mean Miller will have a tougher fight than his predecessor. His known competitors at the moment -- Aguilar, Community Activist Renea Wickman and businessman Russ Warner -- are Democrats.

According to an analysis by the Daily Kos, the demographics for the district are 12 percent African American, 7 percent Asian, 49 percent Hispanic, 30 percent white.

Wickman and Warner announced their candidacy last year. At the moment, Aguilar is probably the most well-known of the Democratic competitors.

“Times are changing in Washington,” said Aguilar, who is a five-year member of the Redlands City Council. “Government isn’t working for the people. There is far too much partisan bickering going on and not enough problem solving going on.”

“I’m running to represent the 31st District,” Aguilar added. “I’m fourth generation Inland Empire resident. I’ve grown up here. I live here. This is home. I’m running to represent the citizens of this region. It doesn’t matter who else is out there.”

Miller reports having more than $1 million in his re-election account and has hired Revolvis Consulting to oversee his campaign.

“California is losing a tremendous amount of influence in Washington with the recent retirements of Jerry (Lewis), Wally Herger and Elton Gallegly,” according to written statement by Miller’s office. “There are serious challenges ahead if we are going to rein in out-of-control spending, fight President Obama’s efforts to increase taxes, and fix our economy.  We are losing decades of seniority with these retirements and it will mean California’s congressional delegation has to work that much harder to protect California’s interests.”