Kurt Bardella, the senior adviser to Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) with a colorful history and a reputation as an attack dog, is headed back to California to work for 24th district Congressional candidate Abel Maldonado (R).

Maldonado, the former lieutenant governor, is challenging Rep. Lois Capps (D) in a race that could prove competitive. Following redistricting, Capps’ district went from a 20-point registration advantage for the Democrats to a three point edge. In California’s June 5 “jungle” primary, the votes for Maldonado and a second Republican candidate combined to beat Capps’ 46 percent.

The GOP’s decision to tap Bardella for Maldonado’s campaign is viewed as further evidence of the party’s optimism about flipping the district. Bardella previously handled press for Rep. Brian Bilbray, working for the San Diego-area Republican on the campaign trail and in Congress.