Applegate Says He'll Run Against Darrell Issa Again

NORTH SAN DIEGO COUNTY -- Lawyer Doug Applegate, who this week lost a close race to incumbent Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Vista, announced Nov. 29 that he will mount another challenge in two years.

Issa clinched his ninth term in Congress on Monday when his lead of more than 2,300 exceeded the number of 49th Congressional District ballots remaining to be counted. His narrow margin over the retired Marine officer was out of about 306,000 votes cast.

``As a Marine colonel, I know that the hardest fights often take a couple of battles -- and I look forward to continuing our fight in the days,weeks, and months ahead,'' Applegate said. ``That's why I'm announcing my intention to run for Congress in 2018. This community deserves leadership that puts people ahead of partisan politics.''

He also thanked his family and supporters.

``Your enthusiasm fueled a campaign no one thought could win and turnedit into a force that almost did,'' Applegate said.

Issa's victory stemmed from strong support in Applegate's home base in Orange County. In a turnabout, Applegate received more votes than Issa in San Diego County, where the incumbent resides.

The district covers parts of northern San Diego County and southern Orange County.

By City News Service/Image courtesy San Diego County Democratic Party