Rep. Paul Cook, R-Yucca Valley, says he’s running for San Bernardino County supervisor.

Cook, who represents the 8th Congressional District, announced Tuesday, Sept. 17 that he would seek the 1st District supervisorial seat in March 2020 after Supervisor Robert Lovingood announced his retirement in August.

“After twenty-six years in the Marine Corps, my attention turned first to local government,” Cook said in an emailed statement. “And while I’ve been called to serve in other capacities such as Congress, my focus has always been on empowering communities and making sure local residents have the strongest voice in decisions that affect them. As supervisor, I’ll work to carry out the will of my constituents, while fighting the bureaucracies in Sacramento and Washington DC that seek to overrun rural communities like ours.”

Cook, a retired Marine Corps colonel and Vietnam combat veteran, was elected to Congress in 2012, after representing the area in the state Assembly for six years. He served on the Yucca Valley Town Council from 1998 to 2006.

He is the 18th House Republican this year to say they are not running for reelection in 2020 or are resigning from office.

The county’s 1st District lies within the footprint of the 8th Congressional District, which includes most of San Bernardino County as well as Mono and Inyo counties. Both include the High Desert cities of Victorville, Hesperia, Adelanto and Needles as well as Apply Valley.

Lovingood, who was elected to the Board of Supervisors in 2012 and reelected in 2016, recently announced he would not run again in 2020.

Lovingood said he is endorsing Cook because of his unique understanding of issues at the local, state and federal level.

“I believe he’ll be able to care for our veterans and constituents,” Lovingood said. “He’s completely up to speed on our infrastructure needs and he understands the value of our resources and the value of the constituents of the High Desert.”

Candidates can file for the board from Nov. 12 through Dec. 6. If an incumbent doesn’t run, the deadline will be extended through Dec. 11.

While in Congress, Cook, a Bronze Star and two-time Purple Heart recipient, advocated for veterans. He authored the HIRE Vets Act to promote the hiring of veterans and supported reforms for the federal Department of Veterans Affairs to speed up response times and improve service to veterans. In July, Cook co-sponsored an amendment to repair damages to military bases, including Fort Irwin, caused by the earthquakes in the Ridgecrest area.

Cook has authored and supported issues specific to the High Desert, including a bi-partisan bill that expanded off-highway vehicle recreation areas, protected wilderness and expanded Joshua Tree and Death Valley national parks.

If elected to the Board of Supervisors, Cook said he will be committed to public safety, transportation and addressing homeless veterans.

“Serving in Congress has been an absolute honor, and I’m proud of my numerous victories amid a tough partisan atmosphere,” Cook said in a statement. “Our high desert needs continued strong leadership at the county level, and I pledge to fight for this area with the same courage and conviction I’ve demonstrated my entire career.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.