Former California Assembly candidate Kelly Ernby dies from COVID-19 complications earlier this week at age 46.
Ernby was a rising figure within Orange County's Republican party, where she was expected to run again for state Assemblywoman later this year.
The former state Assembly candidate is also a former Chula Vista resident, where she attended Bonita Vista High School graduating nearly three decades ago in 1993. She went onto enroll at UC Santa Barbara, where she eventually received her bachelors degree in biological sciences, and later returned to San Diego to earn her law degree at UCSD.
The death of Kelly Ernby has brought national attention, due to her active commitment to oppose COVID-19 mandates much like her fellow Republican colleagues.
The Orange County Republican Party released a statement following the death of Ernby, expressing grieve for the loss of one of their rising stars within the party.
"The Republican Party of Orange County is greater because of Kelly Ernby and her passing leaves a giant void for all of Orange County, and while Kelly is no longer with us, her fighting spirit will live on through out entire OC GOP Family," they said in a statement.
Many people online have delivered critical remarks in regards to Ernby's stance on COVID mandates prior to her death, to which Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer has condemned publicly since learning of the passing of what he calls, a great friend.
"The comments on social media are utterly disgusted about her life decision, almost as if she deserved her fate because she took a particular decision. People make decisions, and obviously with their health, they have to face those consequences," Spitzer said. "But that shouldn't be her legacy at all."
Ernby was a daughter of two Navy veterans, and is survived by her husband, Alex.
