11:00am | Assemblymember Warren Furutani has decided not to run for State Senator Jenny Oropeza’s Senate seat in the upcoming special election early next year. With both Furutani and Los Angeles City Councilwoman Janice Hahn out of the race, the only major declared candidate in the Democratic field is South Bay Assemblyman Ted Lieu.
Lieu, who lives in Torrance, will run to represent the South Bay seat. While only less than 5% of the Senate seat is in Long Beach, a win by Lieu would leave Senator Alan Lowenthal as Long Beach’s only resident in the State Senate. While State Senator Rod Wright also represents portions of Long Beach, his residence is not in the city.
Furutani has released the following statement explaining his decision not to run, and to endorse Lieu:
There has been a lot of speculation regarding whether I will be running for the 28th Senate District, which was left vacant by the passing away of my good friend Jenny Oropeza.
I wanted to let you know that I will not be running. Last week’s sobering news from the Legislative Analyst’s Office that a $25 billion dollar deficit looms on the horizon was a harsh reminder of the challenges and problems awaiting my attention in Sacramento.
During my recent re-election campaign, I pledged to the constituents of the 55th Assembly District that if re-elected I would “serve them to the best of my ability.” I plan and will enthusiastically honor that pledge and thank the residents of the 55th Assembly District for allowing me to represent them once again.
As an Assemblymember who represents a significant part of the 28th Senate District, I am proud to endorse my colleague and friend Ted Lieu for the position. He’ll do an excellent job of representing our area in the State Senate.