(KGTV) - El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells announced Tuesday that he will run for Rep. Duncan Hunter's 50th Congressional District seat.
Wells, a Republican, served on the El Cajon City Council from 2008 until 2013, when he was elected mayor of the city.
During a Tuesday morning news conference, Wells said, "I am running for the 50th Congressional District because I believe I can bring conservative Republican values to Washington, D.C. My reputation as a leader and problem solver has led to incredible business growth and prosperity for my community."
"Here's what I stand for: limited government, the sanctity of life, property rights, a strong national defense and a secure border. I will dedicate my time in Washington, D.C., to reducing the national debt, rejecting tax increases, and unburdening workers and small business owners to realize their full potential," Wells added.
During his press conference, Wells touched upon his upbringing and how it has shaped him today.
"My story is not unlike that of so many other Americans. My family legacy was to be an alcoholic, to struggle for every dollar and every single meal, to never realize my full potential. That was the destiny of my father. I was eight years old when a police officer came to my door to tell me my father had taken his own life; finally losing his battle with alcoholism," Wells said.
The 56-year-old's announcement comes as Hunter is being investigated amid accusations he misused campaign funds. According to a Politico report, Hunter is also accused of having relationships with women on Capitol Hill and abusing alcohol on the job.
"It is my deeply held belief that holding public office is one of the greatest, most sacred jobs in America. And I find it so incredibly American that even a kid like me, from a broken and impoverished family, can dare to dream of service in Washington, D.C. If you elect me to the 50th Congressional District, I will not let you down," said Wells.
Wells has received endorsements from several political leaders, including Poway Mayor Steve Vaus and Coronado Mayor Richard Bailey.
The 50th Congressional District serves more than 730,000 constituents, and the district covers Temecula to El Cajon and east to the Imperial County line, including communities such as Alpine, Borrego Springs, Escondido, Fallbrook, Julian, Lakeside, Ramona, San Marcos, Santee and Valley Center.
