State Senator Sydney Kamlager launched her campaign for California’s 37th Congressional District at Monteith Park in L.A.’s View Park District on April 9, attracting a who’s who of Democratic leaders in Los Angeles County.
Kamlager is running to succeed six-term Congresswoman Karen Bass, a top contender to become the next mayor of Los Angeles. Bass attended the event to endorse Kamlager, whose candidacy she has encouraged.
“Sydney knows how to organize people to a common goal and is just the type of person we need in Washington because she speaks truth to power,” said Bass.
Kamlager’s long-time colleague, L.A. County Board of Supervisor Chair Holly Mitchell, has also endorsed her friend and looked upon the diverse crowd of supporters on Saturday as an indication of why Mitchell considers Kamlager as the consenus choice to win.
“This is a woman who is driven by the interests of the community. She has attracted a diverse and dynamic group of people to support her,” said Mitchell. “She is ready for this challenge, and quite frankly, we need her to win.”
In addition, Ron Herrera, president of the L.A. County Federation of Labor; Sue Dunlop, president of the Planned Parenthood Advocacy Project; and David Bocarsly of the Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California all resoundingly endorsed Kamlager.
But it was the candidate herself, who roused the 200+ supporters who attended Saturday’s launch event.
“This campaign is about the physical and mental health of our people, the health of our climate, the health of our economy and the health of our democracy,” she said. “Let’s take the California playbook that addresses these issues and make it national policy.”
She doubled down on the importance of protecting people’s individual rights.
“It’s ok to say gay, we should not be afraid to teach the truth about our history to our students,” she said. “People should be able to vote safely and in peace.”
Kamlager has received support from major California and Los Angeles County leaders including Governor Gavin Newsom, Senator Alex Padilla, California Secretary of State Shirley Weber and many others.
The primary vote is scheduled for June 7th. The ballots to all Californians will be mailed no later than May 9.
For more information about the candidate and the campaign, visit www.sydneykamlager.com