On election day Tuesday, incumbents reclaimed their positions in all three local races as Dee Andrews defeated Ahmed Saafir with 76% of the vote for the City Council 6th District seat, Felton Williams defeated Rosa Diaz for the Long Beach Unified School District 2 seat with 64% of the vote, and John Meyer avoided a run-off election between he and the highest vote-getter between Karen Thomas Hilburn and Paul Crost by receiving 58% of the LBUSD District 4 vote. If no candidate had received 50%, the top two candidates would have participated in a June run-off.
“This is such an honor for me,” Andrews said at his celebration party at Don Chente Tacos on PCH and Pine Ave. “For everyone to come out and support me, it goes to show you what can happen when you really work hard.”
“I’m just excited for the people,” Andrew says as he chats with supporters.
Andrews reclaims his seat on the City Council after serving a shortened term won in an emergency election when Laura Richardson left the seat for Congress.
“I’m just excited for the people,” Andrews said. “In the next four years, we’re going to make a real difference. This is not a stepping stone for me; I’m not going anywhere.”
Williams was equally enthused at his celebration party at El Torito on Atlantic.
“This community is squarely behind the district,” said Felton Williams. Above, he receives congratulations from a supporter.
“There’s a community here that supports the school board,” he said. “They understand the importance of maintaining this district. And we’re on the right course.”
Over at Joe Jost’s on Anaheim, LBUSD District 4 winner Jon Meyer was admittedly relieved to have won the election outright.
“I wasn’t a big fan of the campaign process,” Meyer said. “It allowed candidates to speak badly about each other and about the district. I’m glad it’s over.”
“I feel a great sense of relief,” he said. “Win or lose, I had faith in our constituents and was willing to accept whatever they decided. I just feel re-energized and ready to help our schools and students.”
Michael Baker of Mr. Baker’s Style Center shows his support for Dee Andrews with a t-shirt that was popular at Andrews’ election party.