Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi (D) is termed out and is running for state superintendent of public education, so his District 66 seat is up for grabs.
The district encompasses the following cities: El Segundo, Gardena, Hermosa Beach, Lomita, Manhattan Beach, Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Redondo Beach, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, San Pedro and Torrance.
The June 2 primary is nonpartisan, meaning that the top two finishers, regardless of party, will advance to the November general election.
The Democratic candidates include Paul Seo, mayor of Rancho Palos Verdes, deputy state attorney general and Army veteran. “Raised by hard-working immigrant parents, Paul learned the value of selfless service and has dedicated his career to lifting up others,” according to his campaign website. “By focusing on problem-solving to improve quality of life, Paul has delivered real results for his community. Now, Paul plans to bring this experience to the State Assembly to fight for California’s working families.”
He lists as his priorities affordability, public safety, more good jobs, homelessness, climate change, health care and reproductive care, education, and small businesses.
Endorsers include:
Organizations — Service Employees International Union California, L.A. County Federation of Labor, Claifornia Asian American & Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus, L.A. County Young Democrats, Association of Deputy District attorneys of L.A. County, Association for L.A. Deputy Sheriffs, L.A. Police Protective League, L.A. County Professional Peace Officers Association, Long Beach Police Officers Association, California Association of Highway Patrolmen, California Narcotic Officers’ Association, Asian Democrats of L.A. County, Stonewall Young Democrats
Elected officials — Sen. Adam Schiff, Sen. Andy Kim (New Jersey), Rep. Judy Chu, Rep. Dave Min, State Treasurer Fiona Ma, State Attorney General Rob Bonta, State Sen. and Latino Caucus Chair Lena Gonzalez, Assemblymembers Anamarie Ávila Farías, Mark Gonzalez, Patrick Ahrens, John Harabedian, Nick Schultz, Jessica Caloza, Mike Fong and Stephanie Nguyen, former Assemblymembers George Nakano and David Chiu
The other Democratic candidates are:
Sara Deen, president of the Palos Verdes School Board and Torrance small business owner. “Sara’s experience in education, healthcare, and small business gives her a clear understanding of the priorities of South Bay families,” according to her website. “That’s why she’s running for State Assembly — to bring a different approach to Sacramento focused on accountability, common-sense solutions, and putting people ahead of politics.”
Endorsers include California Women’s List, Physician Association of America, National Women’s Political Caucus California, Indivisible South Bay, South Bay Forward.
Scott Houston, board member of the Los Angeles County Business Federation and member of the Los Angeles County Commission for Older Adults. “I’m running to tackle California’s pressing problems head-on: affordability, housing, homelessness, education, and Trump,” he said in a statement. “Accomplishing that change means forging pragmatic policies. It also means repairing our broken legislative system. That includes tightening regulations on lobbyists and outlawing the corrosive effects of meals, gifts and free luxury travel lawmakers receive from special interests.”
Endorsers include Rep. Luz Rivas, Rep. Mark Takano, Assembly Speaker Pro Tem Josh Lowenthal, Assemblymembers Rick Chavez Zbur, Chris Ward, Tina McKinnor, Blanca Rubio, Jose Solache, Juan Carrillo, Anamarie Avila Farias, Jacqui Irwin, former Assemblymembers George Nakano and Warren Furutani
Shannon Ruiz-Ross, member of the Los Angeles County Beach Commission. “Shannon has been serving the people of District 66 for over a decade,” according to her website. “Shannon Ross is ready to fight for affordable housing, good-paying jobs, clean air and water, and a government that delivers for working people. Shannon isn’t just fighting for us, she is one of us. And she’s never forgotten where she comes from.”
Endorsers include Rep. Nanette Barragan, Assembly Speaker Pro Tem Josh Lowenthal, State Sen. Laura Richardson, Assemblymembers Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, Mike Gipson and Juan Carrillo, Los Angeles City Councilmembers Tim McOsker and Heather Hutt.
In announcing its primary election endorsements, the California Democratic Party said that it had reached “no consensus” for District 66. Muratsuchi has also not made an endorsement.
The Republican candidates are:
George Barks, small business owner and former Hermosa Beach mayor. “Our current assemblymember of 10+ years and his Democratic Party have failed the residents of this district,” he said on his website. “Look at what their policies have done to the district and state … It’s time for a change. I will be your South Bay watchdog in Sacramento. As a former mayor and councilman in the city of Hermosa Beach, I have the experience in reaching across the aisle to form bipartisan coalitions to address the needs in District 66.”
Endorsers include the California Republican Party, Republican Party of Los Angeles, IBEW Local 47.
Jessica Maldonado, registered nurse. “I’m not a career politician — I’m a dedicated servant of the people, driven by purpose, not power,” she said in a statement. “Your voice matters, and I will listen. I will represent you with integrity in Sacramento, standing firm for our community’s values. Special interests won’t sway me; I will fight for our shared priorities: safety, education, affordable housing, and the preservation of the American Dream. I love our community, and I am ready to work tirelessly for you.”
Endorsers include California Republican Assembly, California Hispanic Republican Club, Assemblymember Carl DeMaio, Manhattan Beach Mayor Joe Franklin, Rolling Hills Mayor Beatriz Dieringer, Torrance Mayor George Chen, Torrance City Councilmember Aurelio Mattucci.