As residence of Los Angeles and the rest of the country focus on the outcome of the Presidential race, a number of key races were also happening throughout Los Angeles and the surrounding communities. No matter what happens in Washington, D.C., these local races will have as much, if not more, of an impact on the everyday lives of our community no matter who ends up residing at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. HERE IS A RECAP OF KEY LOCAL RACES IN OUR COMMUNITY.
While as of Sentinel press time the outcome of this race had not yet been decided, it appears that George Gascon has defeated Jackie Lacey for Los Angeles County District Attorney. Gascon is leading Lacey with 53% of the vote. This highly contested race really comes down to police reform and which candidate is willing to prosecute bad officers and certainly the community will be watching.
Community icon, Karen Bass easily sailed to victory with over 86% of her district’s vote; confirming she is undeniably a rock star within this community.
Assemblymember Reggie Jones Sawyer (Courtesy Photo)In a highly contested race for the 59th Assembly District, Reggie Jones-Sawyer blew away his competition in Efren Martinez. While many considered Martinez the favorite because of the district’s heavy LatinX population, the incumbent Assembly member proved that as long as you represent the community and take care of the people’s business, those efforts will be rewarded. And with 60% of the vote, Reggie Jones-Sawyer proved to be the right representative for the district.
Congresswoman Nanette Baragan easily won re-election in the 44th Congressional District, which covers a large part of the South Bay, including Compton, Carson, and reaches all the way to the Port of Los Angeles.
Chris Holden (Courtesy Photo)
In the San Gabriel Valley, Assembly member Chris Holden and State Senator Anthony Portantino sailed to landslide victories.
Pasadena City Councilmember Victor Gordo beat incumbent Mayor Terry Tornek to become the new Mayor of Pasadena.
State Senator Steve Bradford dominated his opponent Anthony Perry and won re-election with 73% of the districts support/votes.
On The state assembly side of the district Assemblyman Mike Gipson easily won with over 61% of the vote. Gipson has been a stellar member of the assembly for several years and has been one of the leading advocates for police reform in the state.
In other local races Carson City Councilmember Jawane Hilton beat back all 4 challengers for the newly aligned Carson District #1 seat.
In Long Beach despite a hard fought campaign by newcomer Tanua Thrash-Ntuk. Councilmember Al Austin II retained his seat on the Long Beach City Council.
While the 3 Inglewood City Council races were simply an affirmation of the citizens satisfaction on the direction of the city (all 3 races were uncontested) Assistant City Clerk Aisha Thompson will replace outgoing longtime City Clerk Yvonne Horton by defeating with a dominant win over challenger Deandre Warren.
Sometimes, you just have to admit when you were wrong. Despite the Sentinel’s decision to endorse Scott Svonkin for Los Angeles Community College Board Seat #5, Nichelle Henderson blew away the other seven competitors vying for the board and won easily with 42% of the votes. The next closest competitor was Cynthia Gonzalez who garnered 16% of the vote, and Scott Svonkin came in third with 14% of the vote.
PROPOSITIONS & MEASURE
Los Angeles County Measure J – Passed
City of Pasadena Measure O – Passed
STATE PROPOSITIONS
YES – 14-Bonds to Continue Stem Cell Research
NO – 15-Property Tax to Fund Schools, Government Services
NO – 16-Affirmative Action in Government Decisions
YES – 17-Restores the right to Vote After Prison Term
NO – 18-17-year old Primary Voting Right
YES – 19-Changes Certain Property Tax Rules
NO – 20-Parole Restrictions for Certain Offenses
NO – 21-Expands Government Authority to Rent Control
YES – 22-App Based Drivers and Employee Benefits
NO – 23-State Requirements for Kidney Dialysis Clinics
YES – 24-Amends Consumer Protection Laws
NO – 25-Eliminates Money Bail System
