Both candidates have experience in Assembly

Tony Strickland, a Republican, served for six years, from 1999 to 2004, in the California Assembly, representing the 37th District, which covers portions of Los Angeles and Ventura counties, including Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley and Camarillo. During that time, he served as vice chair or sat on a number of committees, including the finances, redistricting and health committees.

He's received business awards and has been active in several community and business organizations throughout Ventura County.

Strickland and his wife, Audra, who filled his Assembly seat in 2004, live in Ventura County and have two children.

During the same six years that her opponent served in the Assembly, HannahBeth Jackson, a Democrat, served the 35th Assembly District, which stretches from Los Alamos in Central California to Oxnard and Port Hueneme.

While in the Legislature, the attorney and former prosecutor authored more than 60 bills signed into law by Republican and Democratic governors. She sat on or chaired several committees, including those involving the environment, the budget and higher education.

Among her awards are "Legislator of the Year" from several separate organizations and "Outstanding Public Service Award" from a state employee association.

Jackson, who's lived in the 37th District for more than 30 years, is married to Santa Barbara Superior Court Judge George Eskin and has one daughter, two stepchildren and four grandchildren.