Rep. Julia Brownley, D-Calif., went up Friday with her first ad of the cycle, touting her commitment to women’s issues.  

“I believe we are strongest when women are in charge of their own decisions,” Brownley says in the 30-second spot, which will air on cable districtwide and was provided first to CQ Roll Call. “That’s why I will always fight for equal pay for equal work, and defend your right to choose.” Brownley is seeking re-election in California’s 26th District, attempting to fend off GOP state Sen. Jeff Gorell. The Ventura County-based seat leans Democrat, but party officials are quietly sounding the alarm that a non-presidential cycle drop in turnout could imperil Brownley.  

The ad comes a day after House Majority PAC, a Democratic super PAC that supports House Democrats, also sent $46,000 in direct mail attacking Gorell, signaling the race is close. Brownley won this open-seat race in 2012 by a 5.5-point margin, while President Barack Obama won with 54 percent.  

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California’s 26th District is rated a Leans Democratic contest by the Rothenberg Political Report/Roll Call.  

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