SAN DIEGO - Marine Col. Doug Applegate, who unsuccessfully ran against Rep. Darrell Issa for the state's 49th Congressional District seat, announced Tuesday that he intends to run for Congress in two years.
The Democratic candidate, in response to Issa's re-election, issued this statement regarding his future plans:
"I want to, first and foremost, thank my family and every single person who gave us their time, support and energy in any way, shape or form. Your enthusiasm fueled a campaign no one thought could win and turned it into a force that almost did. You showed that our community wants leaders who put our country over their own politics.
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. 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."
Issa, a Republican out of Vista, has served the 49th District for eight terms. He released the following statement after the race was called:
"Serving the people of Southern California has been one of the greatest honors of my life and I am humbled at the chance to continue fighting for them in Congress. I thank the voters for putting their faith and support behind me and look forward at all we'll be able to accomplish together in the next two years.
I'm proud of all we've been able to get done, but we still have so much more to do. I am eager to continue working to advance the best interests of the American people and restoring the focus of Washington where it belongs: Economic prosperity, national security and government accountability. With our newly unified government, we have the opportunity to lead the country in a new -- and better -- direction."
The 49th Congressional District covers northern San Diego County and southern Orange County.
