Paul J. Hornick, senior deputy district attorney for Madera County, has announced he will run for county district attorney in the June 5 election.
The top two winners of that election will face each other in the fall.
One other candidate, Sally Moreno, a former deputy in the Madera County District Attorney’s Office also has filed.
Incumbent David Linn is running for re-election.
Hornick said last week he believes the DA’s office continues to struggle with leadership and leadership-related issues.
Hornick was admitted to the California Bar in 2013 after a five-year stint in the Army, where he was a captain in the Judge Advocate General’s Office. He was hired by Linn about three years ago.
“As a veteran and former platoon leader, it was no longer acceptable to watch from the sidelines,” he said.
“After deep personal reflection and several discussions with members of the community, I am formally announcing my intention to run for the office of district attorney,” Hornick said. “The people of Madera County need someone who will focus on the issues, with proven leadership experience, a strong tough-on-crime record, and unquestioned integrity. I will hold to my obligation of putting our constituents and the county ahead of my own political interests.”
Linn was censured by the Board of Supervisors after being accused of harassing some of the employees of the office by being vocally abusive.
That censure came after he had indicated he would investigate the supervisors over what he claims to be their acceptance of illegal campaign contributions from real estate developers, among other things.