(Carlsbad, CA) – Former State Senate Minority Leader Pat Bates today announced her endorsement of Dr. Melanie Burkholder in the race for the 76th Assembly District.
“Dr. Melanie Burkholder is a pro-business, pro-taxpayer community leader that will bring fresh ideas to the table in the Assembly,” said Senator Bates. “I know she will represent the 76th District well in Sacramento with her agenda of reducing taxes, enhancing California’s business environment, and supporting our law enforcement officers. Melanie has my full endorsement.”
Senator Pat Bates serves the 36th District which encompasses parts of Orange and San Diego Counties. She served as the Senate’s minority leader from 2017 to 2019. Bates is also one of the founding members of the California Women’s Leadership Association, an organization committed to bringing together women leaders to join the political process in the state.
“I am honored to accept the endorsement and guidance of Senator Bates in my race for the 76th District,” said Dr. Melanie Burkholder. “As a mom, business owner, and former law enforcement officer, I have had enough of the destructive impact years of bad, liberal policies have had on our state. As an Assemblywoman, I will work to undo the poor policymaking that has led to sky-high taxes, government overreach, and a growing homeless crisis.”
The 76th encompasses coastal North County, including Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton and the cities of Carlsbad, Encinitas, Oceanside, and Vista. The district is currently occupied by liberal Democrat Tasha Boerner Horvath, who won election in 2018. Boerner Horvath is the first Democrat to win this seat since redistricting in 2012. The District’s voter registration is nearly evenly split between Republicans, Democrats, and Independents.
Dr. Melanie Burkholder is a decorated Secret Service agent, mental health counselor, and proud wife and mother. A Republican, Melanie will take the same fight to Sacramento special interests and ultra-liberal politicians that she took to our nation’s criminals while serving in the Secret Service.
