Congresswoman Janice Hahn and Congresswoman Laura Richardson
11:12am | The majority of Long Beach used to be housed within the 37th District, which also included parts of Carson and Compton, represented by Congressmember Laura Richardson. With redistricting finally complete, that is no longer the case as the old 37th has been split into the new 44th and 47th districts, with Long Beach residing in the latter.
The new 47th District includes more Republicans and is also less diverse due to its inclusion of Orange County cities, so Richardson has potentially opted to run in the new 44th, which is strongly Democratic and more diverse, featuring a larger African American population. However, while this new district will definitely be easier for her to run in, she would face stiff competition from fellow Congressmember Janice Hahn of San Pedro.
Hahn’s home is included in the new 44th, and her current 36th seat has been swallowed into a larger Los Angeles based seat. She is currently the only incumbent living in that district, as Richardson’s home is in Long Beach. On Monday, August 15, 2011, Hahn announced her intention to run for the 44th.
“I plan to run for California’s new 44th Congressional District because I live in it. I know many of these communities and I understand the issues that affect them. I have fought for, and represented much of this district for well over a decade,” said Congresswoman Janice Hahn in a statement.
Prior to being elected to Congress in July in a special election to replace Rep. Jane Harman, Hahn served on the Los Angeles City Council for nearly three full terms.
“I am confident that my long history of representing the communities of Watts, Wilmington and San Pedro, along with my track record of accomplishments including creating good jobs, helping local businesses thrive, expanding access to healthcare, and increasing and improving public safety will resonate with the residents of the new 44th Congressional District,” she said.
Assemblymember Isadore Hall of Compton has also announced intentions to run for the 44th Congressional District.