By Emilie St. John
Contributing Writer
SAN PEDRO — Laura Richardson, a candidate for the 35th state Senate District in the Nov. 5 election, has announced her campaign received the endorsement of two long-time and highly respected women leaders on Aug. 5.
Richardson announced the support of Rep. Maxine Waters, whose district includes the 35th District, and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.
Richardson served with both Waters and Bass in Congress from 2007 to 2013.
Richardson lauded the endorsements when reached for comment.
“In order to deliver needed resources for our community, create funding programs for home ownership, treatment for the homeless and safety in our neighborhoods, I am the only candidate prepared with the experience to do the job right now and to partner on behalf of our communities with Congresswoman Waters in Washington, and Mayor Bass in Los Angeles to fix these pressing issues we face,” she said.
Waters emphasized Richardson’s readiness to take on the responsibilities of the State Senate and praised Richardson’s unwavering commitment to public service and her deep understanding of the issues facing the 35th Senate District.
“Laura Richardson has consistently demonstrated her ability to lead with integrity and passion,” Waters said. “Her extensive experience and proven track record make her the ideal candidate to represent the 35th Senate District. I am confident that Laura will continue to fight for the values and needs of our community, and I am proud to endorse her candidacy.”
Bass said Richardson has a proven track record of bold leadership which allows her to lead from day one.
“As a former Assemblywoman, speaker of the Assembly, member of Congress and now mayor of Los Angeles, I strongly endorse my former colleague Laura Richardson for 35th State Senate,” Bass said. “She has worked capably with me, side by side, to improve the lives of residents we represent.”
“The endorsements from Congresswoman Waters and Mayor Bass validate Laura Richardson’s record of hard work and commitment to the community,” said campaign spokesman Mike Trujillo. “Laura looks forward to delivering resources to the communities they will all share once elected.”
Richardson will face former Compton City Councilwoman Michelle Chambers in November in the runoff to replace state Sen. Steven Bradford, who can’t seek re-election due to term limits.
Richardson and Chambers were the top two vote-getters in the March primary election. Richardson received 27.83% of the vote to Chambers’ 24.47%.
Emilie St. John is a freelance journalist covering the areas of Carson, Compton, Inglewood and Willowbrook. Send tips to her at emiliesaintjohn@gmail.com.
