Councilman plans for Sacramento

San Diego city councilmember Mark Kersey's state senate campaign now has the money needed to get up and running.

On December 31, Kersey contributed $99,000 to the Mark Kersey for Senate 2018 committee.

Kersey formed the committee in June of last year. Doing so revealed his intention of maybe running for the seat that will be left vacant by state senator Joel Anderson who must leave the office due to term limits.

The $99,000 cash infusion from Kersey to his campaign indicates that he is no longer mulling his candidacy but is now formally in the race.

Kersey will be running against state assemblyman Brian Jones from Santee.

The 38th District stretches from La Mesa north to Fallbrook and includes cities such as Escondido and Poway.

Kersey was elected to represent San Diego's District 5 in 2012. One of three Republicans on the council, Kersey has focused on rebuilding the city's infrastructure.

The $99,000 is the first contribution reported by the committee.