By Francis Taylor, Executive Editor
Laura Richardson is the apparent front runner in the race to replace Senator Steven Bradford who will term-out of office in March. She has secured significant endorsements including the Largest Latino Dem Club in LA County and Largest Dem Club in the San Pedro/Wilmington Area, Avance Democratic Club and San Pedro Democratic Club Endorse Laura Richardson for State Senate District 35.
After recently securing the endorsement from Inglewood Councilmember Gloria Gray, Laura received a significant boost of momentum by securing the endorsements from two of the Senate District’s largest and most influential Democratic Clubs. Avance is the largest Latino Democratic Club in LA County and their endorsement carries weight in a district with a significant Latino population. The San Pedro Democratic Club is based in the largest city in the 35th Senate District and their membership has a notable amount of ILWU members and elected officials. Laura received 70% of the vote from over 80 members in attendance.
Nilza Serrano, President of Avance Democratic Club said after the endorsement: “The Avance Democratic Club is proud to unite behind Laura Richardson for State Senate. With a strong commitment to justice, equality, and the well-being of people of all backgrounds, Laura is the leader we need in the State Senate. It’s crucial to elect a candidate who truly has a long history of not just representing, but championing the rich tapestry of diverse communities that make up this district. That’s why the Avance Democratic Club proudly endorses Laura Richardson for State Senate”.
Shannon Ross, President of the San Pedro Democratic Club release the following: “The San Pedro Democratic Party is thrilled to endorse Laura Richardson for State Senate. Laura embodies the qualities we seek in a true ally, dedicated worker, and unwavering champion for our community and democratic values. She is not just a politician but a public servant who understands the pressing issues our district faces, and she is eager and equipped to address them effectively. We believe that with Laura in office, our community will have a dedicated advocate who will work tirelessly to protect working families, ensuring safety, affordability and access to good paying jobs, quality health care and a thriving community. We encourage all voters to support Laura in her mission to bring positive change to the district”.
“I am truly honored to have the support of two of the finest Democratic Clubs in the District. These endorsements highlight my relationships and work in the Latino community as well as my commitment and work in the Harbor Area with the Longshoreman community. The San Pedro Dem Club endorsement means a lot to me because I have lived in San Pedro for more than 20 years. I look forward to working with both clubs to create livable wage jobs, protect working families, house our unhoused neighbors, fight for environmental justice issues, and have accessible and affordable healthcare”, said Laura Richardson.
Richardson’s announcement compliments her growing list of endorsers that includes:
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
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
Avance Democratic Club
San Pedro Democratic Club
Citizens for Accountable Leadership (CAL)
Los Angeles Police Protective League
Richardson was born in Los Angeles to bi-racial parents and lives in 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, and earned her MBA from the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business.
Richardson served on the Long Beach City Council from 2000 to 2006, and while serving in the Assembly in 2007 after the untimely passing of Congresswoman Juanita Millender McDonald, she was elected to the House of Representatives, representing District 37, where she served three terms before redistricting significantly altered California’s congressional map, resulting in the loss of African American representation for the first time in decades.
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.
