It's official: Tony Strickland takes seat but it's no mandate

Nearly a month after the general election, Republican Tony Strickland has officially been named the winner of the 19th District state Senate seat.

With about 415,000 votes cast, Strickland, 38, bested Democrat Hannah-Beth Jackson by fewer than 1,000 votes at last count. He was sworn in at the state Capitol on Monday.

"It was a hard-fought race—a very close race," Strickland said. "It's a privilege and an honor that the folks of the 19th District elected me. I have four years to earn their trust and get California moving again."

Santa Barbara resident Jackson said she called Strickland last Wednesday to congratulate him on the victory.

"It was certainly a roller coaster," Jackson said. "It was really a very exciting race, and we almost got it. I wouldn't have run if I didn't think I had a chance to win it. There were 207,000 people who voted for change, voted for me, and I feel very proud to be that voice in the community."

Strickland said he's enjoying "learning about how the Senate operation works."

"I'm really excited about getting things going," Strickland said. "I'm getting to know the differences between state Assembly and the state Senate. The other good thing is that I've worked with most of the people, and already have good relationships with people on both sides of the aisle."

Strickland said his No. 1 issue will be the economy.

"The economy is in a really bad position, and I'm looking forward to doing what I can do to jump-start it. My big focal point is renewable energy. I think we have a tremendous opportunity to lead the world in renewable energy, like we do in the entertainment industry. I think we can create thousand of green jobs."

Jackson said she doesn't know whether she'll run again.

"At this point I'm trying to regroup and take a little time to catch my breath," she said.

"I really have a passion for public policy and a real desire for public service, so I suspect I'll stay involved in that in one fashion or another."