Assemblyman Steve Bradford
Â
Bradford Ready to Got To Work for People
Gardena Councilman an easy winner in 51st
By Kenneth Miller
Sentinel Managing Editor
Long time Gardena City Council member Steve Bradford stopped short of calling his landslide victory for the 51st Assembly District his most important political moment, but instead declared, “I’m ready to go to work for the people.”
Bradford, 49, the first Black member of the Gardena City Council easily won the 51st Assembly District seat vacated by State Senator Curren Price, besting five rivals and capturing a whopping 52 percent of the vote in Tuesday’s Sept. 1 election.
The Democrat won 7,145 votes compared to his nearest rival Democratic rival Gloria Gray who earned 2,591 votes. Republican David Coffin was third with 2,308 votes.
“It feels great. I got tremendous support from the community to make this happen,” said an elated Bradford at his campaign rally.
He called his election, “A major accomplish. We just worked hard and the results proved that.”
The elected will have to be certified by the County Registrar Recorder next week and then the newly elected Assemblyman says, “I will hit the ground running.”
Bradford said that his first goal will be to balance the budget, but ultimately he wants to do the work of the people.
He had built up an impressive endorsement resume and raised more than $15,000 the day before the election to add to his already over loaded war chest.
Bradford did not built himself as a typical politician, a strategy that genuinely fits him and worked to his advantage.
He treasured his 12 years on the Council in Gardena so much that he called his experience “very special.”
However with the might of the union behind him his victory was a foregone conclusion.
“I could not have achieved this victory without the support of the union and for them I am truly grateful.
Bradford supports President Obama’s healthcare plan and will also fight for the Employee Free Choice Act.
Many of the firefighters who were out fighting the destructive brush fires also cast their ballot in the race.
Bradford was also endorsed by the Los Angeles Sentinel, something that was not lost on him.
“Sure, it was important as were all of the others and this election brings about greater responsibility.”
