Assemblymembers Ricardo Lara and Bonnie Lowenthal
 
5:13pm | Assemblymember Ricardo Lara released the following statement to the Long Beach Post moments ago:
 
“Bonnie Lowenthal has been a great friend and a strong advocate for our communities in the California State Assembly an I support her re-election 100%. I look forward to continuing to work with her to improve the quality of life for our constituents and will seek her counsel and support as I continue my bid to represent the newly created 33rd Senate District.” 

Last month, the Long Beach Post reported on an independent poll that showed Lara with a 6-point lead in the race against Lowenthal. Lowenthal’s campaign responded emphasizing the importance of money raised instead of polling numbers. “Lowenthal starts (her race for the) 33rd Senate (District) with (a) considerable money advantage,” Mike Shimpock, Lowenthal’s campaign spokesperson told the Long Beach Post.

Lara’s campaign reacted by saying the independent poll “shows this race is competitive and it will be won by the candidate who reaches out to voters best. Ricardo’s campaign will have the resources it needs to do just that.”
 
4:40pm | Assemblymember Bonnie Lowenthal announced today that she is dropping out of the Senate race against Assemblymember Ricardo Lara, and will instead be running for re-election in the state Assembly. This would be her final term in the Assembly. 

The race for the 70th Assembly District now includes Lowenthal and (pictured right) current Long Beach Councilmembers Gerrie Schipske and Patrick O’Donnell.
 
Below is a statement from Lowenthal’s campaign, received today announcing her switch from the Senate race to the Assembly race:

Today Bonnie Lowenthal announced her intention to run for re-election to her Assembly seat.
 
A former Long Beach City Council and School Board member, Lowenthal was first elected to the Assembly in 2008. This would be her final term.
 
“After serious deliberation, I’ve decided I can better serve my constituents and the people of California in the State Assembly,” said Lowenthal. “I will continue my long-time commitment to creating jobs, improving our schools, and protecting the environment in this final term, and hope I can contribute in whatever way possible to getting our state back on track.”
 
Assemblymember Lowenthal currently serves as the chair of the powerful and job-creating Transportation committee, as well as chair of the Joint Committee on Emergency Management and Select Committee on Ports.

More details to come…