NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – Seven months into his first term, Lake County's representative in the State Assembly said he plans to run for the Third District seat in the California Senate.

Assemblyman Bill Dodd made the announcement in Davis on Monday.

“I’m running for everyone who is concerned about the California that we are passing on to future generations, and for young people confronting a future with greater uncertainty,“ said Dodd. “I will push for policies that renew the promise of the American Dream and expand the middle class – access to high quality K-12 and college educations, support for small business creation and expansion, and improved roads and highways that help the economy grow rather than drag it down.”

Dodd, a Democrat, served four terms on the Napa County Board of Supervisors before he was elected last fall to represent the Fourth Assembly District, which includes Lake County. Dodd took office in December.

The Third Senate District covers all of Napa and Solano counties, as well as portions of Contra Costa, Sacramento, Sonoma and Yolo counties.

It includes the cities of Petaluma, Cotati, Rohnert Park, Sonoma, Pleasant Hill, Martinez, American Canyon, Calistoga, Napa, St. Helena, Yountville, Benicia, Dixon, Fairfield, Rio Vista, Suisun City, Vacaville, Vallejo, Davis, Winters, Woodland and Isleton.

Early indications are that the field for the Senate seat Dodd is seeking also will include Greg Coppes, a Republican and veteran from Dixon.

Republican Charlie Schaupp, a retired Marine who now farms in Esparto, said he plans to run for the Fourth District Assembly seat Dodd now holds. Schaupp also ran for the seat last year.

Dodd also announced on Monday that Congressman Mike Thompson, current District 3 State Sen. Lois Wolk and Solano County Supervisor Jim Spering have endorsed his candidacy for the State Senate.

“Bill and I have worked together on many issues,” said Congressman Thompson. “Most recently, Bill was instrumental in having 330,000 acres of Berryessa Snow Mountain declared a national monument, which preserves an environmental and recreational treasure. Bill has my support because he will be effective in the State Senate on issues that matter for real people.”

Dodd worked to get $1 million included in the 2015-16 state budget for restoring Clear Lake, which the governor vetoed at the last minute.

He's co-authored legislation implementing a state Earned Income Tax Credit, which directly puts money back in the pockets of working families, and worked to include $400 million in the state budget for Career Technical Education.