By 2UrbanGirls
Contributing Writer
COMPTON — Semiofficial election numbers are in and Compton residents have shocked incumbents by electing political newcomers to the City Council.
The Los Angeles County Registrar’s Office has processed 6,150 ballots, of which 253 were cast in person, which represents 13% of the city’s 48,387 registered voters participating in the June runoff.
District 4 Councilwoman Emma Sharif captured 54% of the vote to become the city’s next mayor. Frontrunner Christian Reynaga, who some believed would become the city’s first Latino mayor, received 44% of the vote.
Sharif benefitted from the endorsements of U.S. Rep. Nanette Barragan and a host of community activists, business owners and former candidates for the seat.
Neither Sharif nor Reynaga could be reached for comment.
Los Angeles County firefighter Jonathan Bowers has a commanding lead with 57% of votes cast, over incumbent Tana McCoy who received 43% in Council District 3.
“The people of Compton have spoken and they have reaffirmed that this is a movement not a moment,” Bowers said. “Change is on the horizon for the city of Compton and now it’s time to get to work as a community to affect this change.”
Community activist Andre “HubCityDre” Spicer is holding a narrow lead of 20 votes over incumbent Isaac Galvan in Council District 2.
Neither Spicer nor Galvan could be reached for comment.
The most contentious race pitted Compton school board member Satra Zurita against Brandon Mims for the city treasurer position.
Mims received 56% of the vote, while Zurita garnered 43%.
“Although I was disappointed by last night’s results, I am truly honored by the outpouring of support from our community and local leaders, and would like to thank my supporters and campaign staff for their hard work,” Zurita said. “My opponent ran a good campaign and I wish him the best. I fervently hope that he can fix the long-standing deficiencies in the city treasurer’s office and although I many have come up short this time, I will continue to serve and fight on behalf of our great city and its stalwart residents.”
Mims declined all requests for comment.
The county registrar will provide another update on results on June 4.
2 Urban Girls is a freelance reporter for Wave Newspapers who covers the Compton and Inglewood areas. She can be reached at 2urbangirls@gmail.com.
