Former California Assemblyman and State Senator Sam Aanestad (R-Grass Valley) has officially announced he will run for the District 1 United States Congressional seat to be vacated by the retiring Wally Herger.

“I don't like the idea of one individual anointing another to take over his position,” Aanestad said Tuesday, referring to Herger's endorsement of State Senator Doug LaMalfa. “The people should have a choice.”

Aanestad said that he and LaMalfa - who is also a Republican - have many ideological principles in common, but that Aanestad has more experience in politics.

“I'm older and wiser,” he said. “I have been in the legislature for 12 years. Let (LaMalfa) learn the issues of the North State and if in a couple of years, a position opens he'll be ready.”