Andy Vidak, California's Next State Senator
As a result of his strong showing in yesterday’s special election in the 16th State Senate District in the Central Valley, conservative rancher Andy Vidak will soon be sworn in as the newest member of the California State Senate. Andy is a man of principle, courage and integrity, and will become a strong leader for Republicans in the State Capitol.
As much of a win as this is for Vidak and his campaign team, it is also a big boost for the California Republican Party, and its new Chairman, Jim Brulte. This was not a “safe” GOP seat — this was a highly contested seat. The State GOP put a large six figure IE into electing Vidak, which is now a pickup as the former occupant of the seat was a Democrat.
This certainly raises the stakes for 2014 — If Republicans can safely defend Senators Cannella and Vidak, and pick up the Republican leaning seat in Western and Central Orange County, they will surpass the 1/3 mark in the Senate, and Democrats will lose their super-majority (this math includes Republicans picking up what is a new “safe GOP” seat in the Inland Empire).
There are two write ups out already with more details about the Vidak win:
Dan Walters on the SacBee’s Capitol Alert Blog here.
Andrew Clark in the California Briefing Blog here.
Congratulations again to all of those who did the heavy lifting for this important win in a seat that was very much contested.