Former Rep. Doug Ose, one of three Republicans looking to oust vulnerable freshman Rep. Ami Bera, D-Calif., hit the airwaves Wednesday with his first advertisement of the cycle.  

The 30-second spot, which highlights his biography, will air on cable across the 7th District, an Ose aide confirmed.  

“We need to get out of debt. Debt is an anchor that will drown us,” Ose says in the ad, shared first with CQ Roll Call. “We need to reduce taxes, that’s why I’m running for Congress now. I do understand how the economy works. And I know how to create jobs.”

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Ose is the only GOP candidate on television in this Sacramento-area district. The former congressman faces Bera and two other Republicans – former Capitol Hill aide Igor Birman and businesswoman Elizabeth Emken – in a top-two primary on June 3. The two highest vote recipients, regardless of party, will advance to the general election.  

Many Republicans view Ose as the more formidable GOP candidate against Bera. Birman is backed by tea party groups such as FreedomWorks .  

Fundraising reports for the first quarter are due on April 15. They could show which GOP candidate is in a stronger position before the primary.  

California’s 7th District is rated a Lean Democrat contest by Rothenberg Political Report/Roll Call.