Democratic candidate for the 54th Assembly seat Bonnie Lowenthal received more good news today in her race against Republican Gabriella Holt, as former Mayor of Long Beach Beverly O’Neill announced her endorsement of the 1st District Councilwoman. Lowenthal also conducted a poll administered by Goodwin Simon Victoria Research showing a 52% to 30% lead over Holt (this Press-Telegram story points out candidate bios that were asked in the poll).
O’Neill served as the city’s mayor for twelve years during a three-term run that ended in 2006, after winning in 2002 as a write-in candidate – making her the nation’s only large-city mayor to win as a write-in.
“Bonnie has built a strong record of public service, both as a Long Beach school board member and as a city councilmember,” O’Neill said in a release announcing the endorsement today. “I know we can count on her to go to Sacramento and provide leadership on the issues we all care about – a strong economy, job growth, health care reform and quality education for all.”
“I couldn’t be more honored to win the support of one of the most popular and successful mayors this city – or any city – has seen,” Lowenthal is quoted in the release. “Beverly is a living symbol of service to the community.”
Lowenthal and Holt will compete for the 54th Assembly seat in the November 8 election, a position left vacant by the departure of Democrat Betty Karnette, who has reached the end of her term limit. Current Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster also endorses Lowenthal.
Read this District Weekly piece by Dave Wielenga for more information about the endorsement.
By Ryan ZumMallen, Managing Editor