Former state Sen. Joseph Dunn filed papers this week to enter the race for the 46th Congressional District seat that Loretta Sanchez is giving up to run for the U.S. Senate.
Dunn, who is expected to formally announce his candidacy on Monday, also resigned from the Voice of OC Board of Directors effective immediately.
Dunn was Voice of OC’s founding board member and served as board president from 2009 to 2011.
“Joe Dunn showed incredible vision as our founding board member and has served our organization well,” said Voice of OC Publisher Norberto Santana Jr. “We wish him the best in his future endeavors.”
The well-known Democrat enters an increasingly crowded field for Sanchez’s seat. Former state Sen. Lou Correa and Anaheim Councilman Jordan Brandman have already announced their candidacies. There is also speculation that Garden Grove Mayor Bao Nguyen, a Democrat, and Republican Irvine Councilwoman Lynn Schott will enter the race.
Dunn represented central Orange County in the state Senate from 1998 to 2006. Since leaving office he has served as the CEO of the California Medical Association and executive director of the State Bar of California. He was fired from his post at the Bar late last year and immediately filed a whistleblower lawsuit against the organization that was ordered into arbitration in June.
Please contact David Washburn directly at dwashburn@voiceofoc.org.