Editor’s note: This story is one in a series on the November 5 general election. For more coverage, visit vcstar.com/news/elections.
Two candidates are vying for the state Assembly’s 42nd District seat: incumbent Jacqui Irwin and challenger Ted Nordblum.
The district covers eastern Ventura County, including the cities of Moorpark, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks and parts of Camarillo, along with surrounding unincorporated areas. The district boundaries extend into western Los Angeles County and include Malibu, Brentwood, Calabasas and other communities.
Members of the California Assembly serve two-year terms. The body has 80 members.
Below are the answers to The Star’s questions in the candidates’ own words. They have been edited for clarity and space.
Jacqui Irwin
Occupation: Member of the meeting
Age: 62
Party: Democrat
Residence: A thousand oaks
Education: Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering from UC San Diego
Previous elected office: State Assembly, 2014–present; Thousand Oaks City Council, including mayor, 2004-2014.
Campaign website: jacquiirwin.com
In 150 words or less, what is your top priority and how do you plan to achieve it? Local issues and helping people access government services have been my top priorities since I was elected to the State Assembly and before that, when I was mayor of Thousand Oaks. I achieve this by listening to our local communities to understand what issues need to be addressed. Whether it’s helping people with the DMV, writing legislation to address retail crime, keeping energy costs down, protecting open space or securing $1 billion to get homeless veterans off the streets, I work every day to help people off the streets. 42nd Assembly District.
Ted Nordblum
Occupation: Local small business owner
Age: 59
Party: Republican
Residence: Newbury Park
Education: Associate degree in construction engineering from the Union of Operating Engineers vocational school
Previously elected office: No
Campaign website: TedNordblum.com
In 150 words or less, what is your top priority and how do you plan to achieve it? I’m running because I believe you deserve a better California.
Affordability and public safety are central to this campaign. Californians no longer feel safe in their own homes, while small business owners and working families are taxed out of state.
I will cut taxes across the board and reduce regulations on farms and small businesses. In addition, I will promote the responsible development of water and energy infrastructure. To keep our communities safe, I will support our law enforcement officers and ensure violent criminals are kept out of our neighborhoods.
I would be honored to receive your vote in 2024.
Gretchen Wenner is the breaking news and city editor at the Star. She can be reached at gretchen.wenner@vcstar.com.
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Jacqui Irwin, Ted Nordblum battle in 42nd Assembly District race
