No matter who wins the Long Beach mayoral race, it will be a first for the city. If it’s Councilmember Rex Richardson, he’ll be the city’s first Black mayor. If it’s Councilmember Suzie Price, she will become the first Persian mayor.

Price says she doesn’t think about this in terms of personal accomplishment. Instead, she says, “I think about my mom.”

Price fled Iran with her mother 43 years ago. It was a tremendous sacrifice that prevented Price and her mother from seeing her father and sister for 21 years. It’s a journey that led Price to Long Beach and her career in politics.

“All I can say is Long Beach State changed my life,” said Price. She says she has a debt of gratitude for the only city her children have ever called home. For Price, becoming mayor of Long Beach would be her last stop and the most important accomplishment of her professional career.

On this week’s “The Word” Podcast, Price answers questions about her life, including working for her controversial boss, Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer—who’s been heavily criticized for his use of the N-word—and Price’s questioning of Long Beach Health Officer Dr. Annisa Davis, which left Price apologizing after she was accused of perpetuating racial bias.

To hear an interview with Price’s opponent, be sure to subscribe to “The Word” so you’ll be notified when it’s available.

For more information on the candidates in the meantime, you can watch the Long Beach Mayoral Debate here, or read up on them in our Compare Your Candidates tool at lbpost.com/elections.

The Greater Long Beach Black Democratic Club wants to strengthen the Black vote