9:57am | Voters will choose a replacement for the late Jenny Oropeza today, in a special election to fill her seat in the 28th District of the California State Senate.
Oropeza passed away in October 2010 after complications from blood clots in her abdomen. A cancer survivor, Oropeza had held office in the Long Beach Unified School District and City Council before moving on to the State Assembly and finally State Senate. She was 53.
The 28th District stretches from the city of Venice down along the coast and including portions of west and downtown Long Beach. A small voter turnout is expected today but the election is vitally important. Eight candidates are vying for the seat. If there is no clear majority winner, the top two finishers will enter into a runoff election.
Michael Chamness (Coffee Party)
Martha Flores-Gibson (R)
Jeff Fortini (R)
Ted Lieu (D)
Mark Lipman (No Party Affiliation)
Kevin McGurk (D)
James P. Thompson (R)
Bob Valentine (R)
If you’re within the voting lines and need a ride to the polls, Long Beach Yellow Cab is offering free services. First, click here to find your nearest polling location. Then call for a car at 800.808.7293, state your polling location and provide the dispatcher with the code “Account Vote.”
The polls are open from 7:00am-8:00pm today.