Oceanside Councilmember Christopher Rodriguez Runs For Congress

OCEANSIDE, CA — Oceanside Councilmember Christopher Rodriguez announced his run for Congress to unseat incumbent Democrat, Rep. Mike Levin for CA-49 earlier in May. But what's happening later this year may affect the outcome of the 2022 election more than any other factor.

Every 10 years, California must redraw the boundaries of its electoral districts from updated census information, so that the state’s population is evenly allocated among the new districts.

The 2020 California Citizens Redistricting Commission will begin work in September to draw new district lines for the state's assembly, state senate, and congressional districts. In the recent census, California’s population fell for the first time in history, which means the state will lose one of our 53 congressional seats. There is speculation that redistricting may separate Orange County from California's 49th Congressional District since the majority of voters are in North County.

The district currently covers the north county coastal areas of Oceanside, Vista, Carlsbad and Encinitas, into portions of southern Orange County. If CA-49 is altered by redistricting, then Rodriguez may benefit from greater name recognition with voters more familiar with him in North County than in Orange County.

The other possible outcome is that Mike Levin might not live in the 49th district any longer if OC is removed. Former Oceanside CA-49 Rep. Darrell Issa was elected in CA-50 District, despite not living there, but it is unclear how a change in redistricting might affect the political futures of those running in the 49th district.

Rodriguez ran as a Republican when he was elected in November 2018 to Oceanside's City Council for District 2. Rodriguez is also a Marine Corps combat veteran, businessman and father of seven. His campaign describes Christopher as a conservative leader that has dedicated his life to serving his country and community and is now committed to serving California’s 49th congressional district.

Rodriguez released a video announcing his campaign where he says, “the American Dream isn’t handed to anyone, you have to fight for it – no excuses.”

While some Oceanside residents have questioned his ability to represent Oceanside while he campaigns, Rodriguez told The Coast News, "We’ve gotten so much done over the past two years and I will continue to fight hard for Oceanside through my congressional campaign,”

For more information visit, www.rodriguezforcongress.us.

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