Joaquin Arambula, M.D., a California Medical Association (CMA) member and Fresno-area emergency room physician, will stand in a special election on April 5 to fill the state Assembly seat vacated last month by Henry T. Perea.

His opponent is Fresno Republican Clint Olivier. The winner of this election will represent California's 31st District likely beginning in April to complete Perea’s term, but will then have to run again in November 2016 to serve a full two-year term.

Dr. Arambula, a Kingsburg Democrat, practices medicine at Adventist Medical Center-Selma and has served in a senior position with the California Emergency Physicians for the past eight years. During his tenure, the medical center’s emergency department has won two California Emergency Physician Distinguished Hospital of the Year awards.

"[I am a] son of the valley, with deep roots in Fresno. Every day, the people of my district show unbreakable optimism, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to make a better life for their children," Dr. Arambula said when the special election was announced by Governor Brown last week. “I will be their champion, make certain our voices are heard, and fight tirelessly for a healthier valley. Our campaign is ready to go.”

Dr. Arambula’s endorsements include CMA, the California Legislative Latino Caucus, the California Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians, Hanford Mayor Russ Curry, Former Lieutenant Governor Cruz Bustamante, and dozens of other current and former Assemblymembers, school board members, city council members and mayors.

He has also received an endorsement from outgoing Assemblyman Perea, who announced last month that he was leaving the Assembly to work for Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America.

Voters can begin casting mail ballots on March 7.

For more information on Dr. Arambula, please visit www.joaquinarambula.com.

Contact: Manny Heer, (916) 551-2573 or mheer@cmadocs.org.