California State Senate Candidate Laura Richardson has won the powerful endorsement of former Assemblywoman Autumn Burke. (Richardson File Photo)
San Pedro, CA – Today, Assemblywoman Autumn Burke (ret.) endorsed Laura Richardson for State Senate. Burke represented over 50% of the current 35th Senate District and her leadership remains highly regarded within our communities. Throughout her legislative tenure, she has championed numerous causes, from spearheading the extension of California’s Cap and Trade climate market to fostering local climate resiliency in marginalized communities. Additionally, she has played a pivotal role in expanding and strengthening safeguards for reproductive health.
Autumn is the daughter of former Assemblywoman, Congresswoman and Los Angeles County Supervisor Yvonne Brathwaite Burke.
“As a former Assemblywoman who had the honor of serving and representing our diverse communities firsthand, I am proud to endorse Laura Richardson for State Senate because she embodies the qualities necessary to lead us forward. Laura’s dedication to our community is unwavering, and her vision for progress resonates deeply with the values we hold dear. I have full confidence in her ability to champion the issues that matter most to our constituents – ensuring we create more local jobs, expanding access to affordable housing, cleaning up our streets and protecting our public safety. With Laura at the helm, I am certain that this district will not only thrive but flourish stated Autumn”.
Laura, said, “I’m truly honored to have the endorsement of former Assemblymember Autumn Burke, who served over half of the Senate district I hope to represent. Her dedication to our community and hard work have made a big impact here. Knowing she has confidence in me means a lot—it shows we share a vision for a better future. With her backing, I’m even more motivated to keep working for fairness, equality, and opportunity for everyone in our district. Together, we’ll make sure every voice is heard and bring about real, positive change.”
Richardson’s announcement compliments her growing list of endorsers that includes:
Fiona Ma, CA State Treasurer
Assemblywoman Autumn Burke (ret.)
Lula Davis-Holmes, Mayor, City of Carson
Emma Sharif, Mayor, City of Compton
Barry Waite, Mayor, City of Lomita
Jawane Hilton, Mayor Pro Tem, City of Carson
Angie Reyes-English, Mayor Pro Tem, City of Hawthorne
Cedric Hicks, Councilmember, City of Carson
Lillie Darden, Councilmember, City of Compton
Deidra Duhart, Councilmember, City of Compton
Jonathan Bowers, Councilmember, City of Compton
Wanda Love, Councilmember City of Gardena
Paulette Francis, Councilmember, City of Gardena
Gloria Gray, Councilmember, City of Inglewood
Dr. Khaleah Bradshaw, Clerk City, City of Carson
Los Angeles Councilman Bob Farrell (ret.)
Barbara Calhoun, President, Compton Community College District Board of Trustees
Satra Zurita, Board Member, Compton Unified School District
Micah Ali, Board Member, Compton Unified School District
Juanita Douse, Commissioner, City of Hawthorne
Ken Miller, Commissioner, City of Lawndale
Robert Katherman, Director, Metropolitan Water Replenishment District
Leticia Vasquez-Wilson, Director, Central Basin Municipal Water District
Harold Williams, Board Member, West Basin Municipal Water District
So Cal Pipe Trades District Council 16
UA Local 250
Teamsters Joint Council 42
ILWU Local 13
ILWU Local 63
Avance Democratic Club (Largest Latino Dem Club in LA)
San Pedro Democratic Club
Martin Luther King Jr. Democratic Club
So Cal Armenian Democratic Club
LA Police Protective League
Citizens for Accountable Leadership (CAL)
National Women’s Political Caucus
Richardson was born in Los Angeles to bi-racial parents and is a longtime resident of San Pedro. She was raised by a single mother after her parents divorced when she was two. Her mother was a member of the Teamsters and remains a retiree today. Laura graduated with a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) and earned her MBA from the University of Southern California’s (USC) Marshall School of Business.
Richardson has served this district as a Councilwoman, Assemblymember and Congressmember. She is the only candidate prepared to lead on day one.
Senate District 35 includes the Los Angeles County communities of Westchester, Inglewood, Compton, Carson, Hawthorne, Lawndale, Gardena, Harbor Gateway, Wilmington, San Pedro, and unincorporated communities of East and West Rancho Dominguez, Lennox, West Athens, Westmont, and Willowbrook.
