Mary Bono Mack Moves On To November

The Associated Press has named Mary Bono Mack the winner in the 45th Congressional District’s GOP race, pitting her against Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet in the November election.

Bono Mack was running against Clayton Thibodeau for the Republican nomination.

She issued the following statement shortly after winning:

“Congresswoman Bono Mack is honored to have overwhelming support from voters throughout the District. These numbers show that voters in California’s 45th Congressional District support and trust Congresswoman Bono Mack. Bono Mack is a proven leader in Washington and she fights tirelessly for smaller government, lower taxes, and more jobs.

“In the General Election, residents of this District can vote for Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack, a trusted leader with a proven record of service to our Community or Steve Pougnet, the failed Mayor of Palm Springs whose liberal agenda forced law enforcement lay-offs and a decaying Downtown. The choice is clear.”

Mary Bono MackClayton Thibodeau

Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet was the only Democrat on the ballot, and Bill Lussenheide, a Menifee businessman, is running as an Independent. They will square off against Bono Mack in the November general election.

The 45th district includes Palm Springs, Coachella, Hemet, Idyllwild, Indian Wells, Indio, La Quinta, Moreno Valley, Murrieta, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, Thermal, portions of Temecula and several unincorporated areas of Riverside County.

Bono Mack, who serves on the Committee on Energy and Commerce, was first elected in 1998 to fill the seat held by her late husband, Sonny Bono.