Costa Mesa Councilman Expected to Enter Race for Badham’s Seat

Costa Mesa City Councilman Peter Buffa is expected to announce his candidacy Friday for the 40th Congressional District seat being vacated by Rep. Robert E. Badham (R-Newport Beach).

Buffa, 39, said Wednesday that he will hold a press conference to announce his plans.

Once officially in the race, Buffa will join a widening field of candidates that includes Irvine City Councilman C. David Baker, 34; Badham’s surprise 1986 opponent, Newport Beach business consultant Nathan Rosenberg, 35; White House counsel C. Christopher Cox, 35; Tustin City Councilman John Kelly, 35, and Charles S. Devore, 25, a Pentagon liaison to the National Security Council.

Still undecided is Orange County Supervisor Roger R. Stanton. The filing deadline is March 11.

All of the candidates, including Buffa, are Republicans. Winning the GOP nomination in the June primary in the 40th District, one of the strongest Republican districts in the nation, is tantamount to winning the general election.

Buffa, an independent television producer, was elected to the City Council in 1986 after having served on the city’s Planning Commission. He serves on several countywide commissions, including ones concerned with the San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor and waste and hazardous materials management.