Laura Bassett, a Republican and licensed professional fiduciary, has launched a 2026 bid for a largely coastal state Senate seat that includes communities in Orange and San Diego counties.

The 38th Senate District — which includes Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita and San Juan Capistrano in Orange County — is represented now by Sen. Catherine Blakespear, a Democrat who is running for reelection.

Bassett said she has long paid attention to politics, albeit mostly at the federal level. But by the time the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Bassett’s six children were out of the house. She turned her attention to local politics and decided, “That was my new thing.”

The Oceanside resident unsuccessfully ran for a City Council seat last year, but said she realized through the process how much of an

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