Assembly member Heath Flora, R-Ripon, has officially announced his candidacy for the newly created 9th Assembly District.

 The new 9th has over half the geographical makeup of his current 12th Assembly District. Flora’s hometown of Ripon also is included in the new district.

No incumbent besides Flora currently resides in the newly drawn 9th district. The new district consists of the rural eastern sides of Stanislaus and San Joaquin Counties, picking up portions of western Amador and Calaveras counties and adding parts of southern Sacramento County.

"California's Central Valley and Foothill Regions continue to share and face many challenges into the future," Flora said. "Water, wildfires, the economy, and crime are among the biggest concerns I hear from constituents. While I am sad to lose so many of my old constituents in the Modesto and Turlock areas, we will continue taking the fight forward on these important issues. I know these same issues are important to the many new constituents we hope to build the same relationships & trust with."

Flora as a farmer, firefighter and businessman was first elected to the State Assembly in 2016.

Having no prior political experience in his first six years in office, Flora has been among the more successful Republicans in the legislature to get new laws passed and help bring state funding to the local region.

 He is currently the Floor Leader for the Republican Caucus and is just approaching halfway to his 12-year term limit.

"It has been a real-life honor & privilege to be trusted by the voters of the 12th Assembly District and to represent them in Sacramento," added Flora. "I promise to commit the same work ethics and dedication to the people of the new 9th Assembly District. I look forward to having the opportunity to meet new folks and earn their votes."