By Cris Alarcon
Camino, CA – January 3, 2024
In Camino, the political pulse quickens as Mark Mezzano, a retired California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer and current Vice Mayor Pro-Tempore of Redding, sets his sights on Assembly District 1 (AD1). The stage for this pivotal encounter is set at The Forrester in Camino, where Mezzano plans to engage with community opinion leaders and delve into the local fabric, tackling issues such as the contentious U.S. 50 Wall.
A Drive from Redding: Mark Mezzano’s Mission to Connect
Mezzano, a familiar face on the Redding City Council since his election in 2020, brings a unique blend of law enforcement experience and civic leadership to the AD1 race. With a palpable eagerness to understand the nuances of El Dorado County’s challenges, Mezzano embarks on a journey that extends beyond the confines of his Shasta County residence.
Mark Mezzano’s Campaign Website
Navigating an “Open Seat” Landscape: AD1 Dynamics
Assembly District 1, a sprawling expanse encompassing Alpine, Amador, El Dorado, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, and Siskiyou Counties, finds itself in the midst of a crucial election. With no incumbent seeking re-election, the race for AD1 becomes a battleground for four Republican candidates, marking this contest as an “open seat” scenario.
Meet the Contenders: A Quartet of Republican Visionaries
Heather Hadwick – Hailing from Siskiyou County, Hadwick’s farming roots extend into Modoc County. The former public information officer and deputy director of Modoc’s Office of Emergency Services, Hadwick boasts the support of Senator Brian Dahle, who has contributed $5,500 from his Lt. Governor campaign account.
Heather Hadwick’s Campaign Website
Melissa Hunt – A steadfast resident of Shasta County, Hunt’s tenure on the Andersen City Council since 2007 is fortified by her role as an educator armed with a Masters Degree in Education.
Melissa Hunt’s Campaign Website
Tenessa Audette – Also from Shasta County, Audette wears the hats of Mayor Pro-Tempore of Redding and Field Representative for Senator Brian Dahle. Despite her affiliation, Dahle has notably refrained from endorsing her candidacy, injecting an air of independence into the race.
Tenessa Audette’s Campaign Website
As Mezzano and his fellow contenders rev their political engines for the March 5 Primary Ballot, the absence of Democratic competition underscores the Republican stronghold in this race. The battle for AD1 promises to be a clash of conservative titans, each candidate carrying the hopes and aspirations of their respective communities.
This political rendezvous in Camino beckons not just as an event but as a milestone in the narrative of AD1, where the road less traveled may well lead to a new Assemblyman to champion the causes of this diverse district.
FROM Mark Mezzano WEBSITE
Dear Friend,
California is at a tipping point. Decades of failed leadership in Sacramento has left our communities less safe, our economy weakened, and our future in doubt.
For the first time in our state’s history, more people are leaving California than arriving as families who have spent generations in California are pushed to the brink. We must do better.
I have spent my career working in law enforcement. As a California Highway Patrolmen, I have spent most of my life dedicated to protecting public safety in the North State. After retiring as a Sergeant, I doubled down on public service and successfully ran for the Redding City Council. Working together with my colleagues, we were able to deliver results for Redding residents—investing in public safety, growing the economy, and tackling our toughest challenges.
Now, I am running to represent the North State in the California State Assembly to bring my experience in law enforcement and local government to the state legislature. I will champion common-sense solutions that improve the safety, prosperity, and quality of life for residents of the North State.
I look forward to sharing more in the months to come.
See you on the campaign trail,
Sincerely,
Mark Mezzano
