Political notebook: Giglio secures Trump-era endorsement, while Leticia Perez announces reelection campaign

Nov. 28—Still early into his campaign for California's 20th House District, Republican David Giglio of Clovis secured an endorsement from Michael Flynn, the National Security Advisor under then-President Donald Trump.

In a statement, Flynn said his support for Giglio stems from his concerns about the current representative, Bakersfield Republican Kevin McCarthy.

"Kevin McCarthy's record of reckless spending, his failure to secure America's borders, and his refusal to fight back against the radical Left's weaponization of our government is completely at odds with what it means to be America First," Flynn wrote in a statement. "Rather than keeping his promises and standing strong, Kevin repeatedly sold out conservatives by capitulating to Joe Biden and Hakeem Jeffries."

In contrast, Flynn said Giglio will "fight relentlessly" for "valley farmers."

"Giglio will push back against open borders and support the completion of President Trump's border wall," Flynn wrote. "With a crime epidemic sweeping the nation, David will use the power of the purse to force radical Leftist attorney generals and district attorneys, who refuse to prosecute crime, into doing their job."

In response, Giglio wrote, "I speak to more and more Patriots each day who, like General Flynn, are fed up with the excuses spewed by politicians like Kevin McCarthy to justify preserving the status quo."

Beyond a track record of historic fundraising, McCarthy has rarely seen a contest for his seat since he first ran in 2007. He routed Marissa Wood in 2022 with more than 67% of the vote, and with more than $40 million in fundraising, according to the National Republican Congressional Committee.

But seven candidates have entered the race for the congressional seat long held by McCarthy, which is home to communities in Fresno, Tulare, Kings and Kern counties.

----District 5 Supervisor Leticia Perez announced Tuesday that she will seek reelection to the Kern County Board of Supervisors in 2024.

In a news release by the Kern Democratic Party — chaired by Perez's staffer Christian Romo — Perez was highlighted for her accomplishments during her tenure, including $49 million in local park investments, establishing the first drive-through mass COVID testing and vaccination clinic in the Central Valley and helping to establish "the largest high school/college dual enrollment program in California" with the Kern High School District.

"During these difficult times, Kern County needs someone with proven leadership to take on our most pressing issues such as homelessness, public safety and of course ensuring that Kern County remains a powerhouse for global energy," the release read. "Leticia is committed to fighting for good-paying jobs, creating safer neighborhoods, addressing the homelessness crisis and protecting Kern County's energy production."

In 2013, Perez became the first Latina ever elected to the Kern Board of Supervisors. She most recently won the seat in 2020 with more than 58% of the vote.

Along with Perez, terms for District 4 Supervisor David Couch and District 1 Supervisor Philip Peters end in 2024.