There is a diverse field of candidates vying to replace veteran Rep. Howard “Buck” McKeon in the 25th Congressional District, considered the most conservative-voting region within Los Angeles County.
Lee Rodgers
Lee Rodgers, a podiatrist at Sherman Oaks Hospital, was the Democratic nominee for the seat in 2012 and is seeking the position again in support of ending the Afghanistan War, reforming the tax code, ending subsidies to “rich companies and wealthy nations” and to end discrimination among patients with pre-existing conditions.
Evan Thomas
A 28-year Air Force commander and test pilot, Evan Thomas said he is not a ‘career politician” nor a party activist. Thomas has vowed to “fight” for the middle class and will offer political solutions for the region’s most pressing problems. If elected, he plans to hold regular meetings with constituents and will “restore growth and good jobs” to the 25th District.
Troy Castagna
Troy Castagna is a third-generation resident of north Los Angeles County and is the founder of TC Financial Group, a tax and financial services firm based in Santa Clarita. A former Eagle Scout, Castagna is a taxpayer advocate and said, upon being elected he will “fight everyday” to help individuals and businesses keep more of their “hard earned” money in “their own pockets.”
Steve Knight
State Senator Steve Knight is a Palmdale native, a former Los Angeles police officer, and was elected to the State Assembly in 2008. He has been in Sacramento since 2008, serving on the Assembly committees for local government, utilities and commerce, rules and was vice chairman on both the Natural Resources and Public Safety committees.
Tony Strickland
Tony Strickland is a former California State Senator and three-term member of the State Assembly. Strickland helped co-found the Club for Growth in California. He once filed a lawsuit against former California Governor Gray Davis on behalf of energy ratepayers. Strickland was once elected Republican Caucus Chair in the Assembly.
Michael Mussack
Michael Mussack is a former board director for several non-for-profit organizations and has operated a number of small businesses locally. He is running for Congress because “so many people find it increasingly difficult to live the American Dream.” He is running as an Independent and, if elected, plans to focus much of his energy on encouraging new business start-ups.
David Bruce
As a political newcomer, David Bruce is a Libertarian who has said during his campaign that, upon arriving in Washington, D.C., one of his first priorities will be to “repeal Obamacare.”
Navraj Singh
No stranger to the political season, Navraj Singh run for Congress in 2008 and again in 2012. The Republican said he is running again to “revive the American Dream.”
