Jay Phillip Obernolte ( ; born August 18, 1970) is an American politician and businessman serving as the U.S. representative for since 2021, when it was numbered as the 8th district. A Republican, he was previously a member of the California State Assembly representing the 33rd district. Before serving in the Assembly, Obernolte served on the city council and was the mayor of Big Bear Lake, California. He is the owner, president, and technical director of FarSight Studios, an American video game developer.
Obernolte is the only Republican to represent a district with territory in Los Angeles County.
California State Assembly 2014 California State Assembly election
On February 10, 2014, Obernolte announced his candidacy for the California State Assembly to succeed Tim Donnelly in the 33rd district.
Obernolte was endorsed by the California Republican Party, the San Bernardino County Republican party, the California Republican Assembly, The Press-Enterprise, the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC), San Bernardino County Safety Employee's Benefit Association (SEBA), the California Conservative Christians, and the Independent Voter Political Action Committee.
In the June primary, Obernolte finished second with 18.89% of the vote with 7,887 votes. He defeated Democrat John Coffey in the November general election with 65.9% of the vote.
2016 California State Assembly election
On January 25, 2016, Obernolte announced he would seek reelection as the representative for California's 33rd Assembly District.
In the June primary, Obernolte finished first with 60.7% of the vote with 43,526 votes. He defeated Democrat Scott Markovich in the November general election with 60.6% of the vote.
2018 California State Assembly election
U.S. House of Representatives
2020 California congressional election
In September 2019, after Paul Cook announced his retirement from California's 8th congressional district, Obernolte announced his candidacy. The district covers most of the High Desert of San Bernardino County and Mono and Inyo counties.Ryan Hagen, Republican Jay Obernolte wins 8th Congressional District; foe Chris Bubser concedes, San Bernardino Sun (November 10, 2021).
In February 2020, President Donald Trump endorsed Obernolte on Twitter.
In the November 2020 election, Obernolte defeated Democratic nominee Chris Bubser with 56.1% of the vote to Bubser's 43.9%.November 3, 2020, General Election, Secretary of State of California. Obernolte was sworn in to Congress on January 3, 2021, and appointed Freshman Class Representative to the House Republican Policy Committee.
2022 California congressional election
2024 California congressional election
References