Democratic incumbent Alan Lowenthal has been voted back into office in the race for the 27th District of the California State Senate today, defeating Republican challenger Allen Wood. Lowenthal, a former Long Beach City Councilmember, has held the 27th seat since 2004, and served six years in the State Assembly prior. The 27th District includes Long Beach, Cerritos, Downey, Paramount, South Gate, Lakewood and other surrounding cities.
“I just feel very much supported by my District,” Lowenthal said Tuesday night. “I’ve worked very hard these last four years in all of my cities, not just Long Beach.”
Lowenthal captured 67.1% of the vote, attributing at least part of the victory to high Democratic turnout.
“I was part of this tremendous Obama surge, so I’ve benefited greatly,” he said. “We’re at a crucial time in our nation’s history. There are great challenges ahead, and it’s also very exciting that this great cloud of despair has been lifted from over this country.”
Lowenthal made headlines this year by re-introducing a bill that would tax containers brought into the local Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, and use the funds for environmental and safety improvements to surrounding infrastructure. Gov. Schwarzenegger ultimately vetoed the bill, but Lowenthal vowed to outlast the Governor and continue to campaign for his idea.
Lowenthal formerly taught Psychology at California State University Long Beach, and also served on the Long Beach City Council from 1992-1998.
By Ryan ZumMallen, Managing Editor