Assemblyman Isadore Hall III, seen here with a student from Hall’s 52nd Assembly District, speaks at an LA’s Best event in this undated photo.
UPDATE 2:25pm | Assemblyman Isadore Hall III, D-Compton, told the Long Beach Post via telephone moments ago that his decision to announce his candidacy for the proposed new U.S. Congressional District featured in a draft map formulated by the state’s Citizens Redistricting Commission was in large part inspired by what he called a “groundswell” of support from the community.
“I’ve been contemplating it (running for Congress), but most of my decision has come from a groundswell of support from community members, the clergy and civic leaders who have all urged me to pursue this,” Hall said from the White House, where just minutes before speaking with the Post he was meeting with President Barack Obama.
“One of the things that I will be focusing on is jobs. Also, health care and making sure that I work side-by-side with Obama to bring resources to the community,” Hall said.
Hall stressed, however, that he is an ardent supporter of Congresswoman Maxine Waters, D-Calif., who has represented the 35th Congressional District for 18 years. Because the proposed new district would encompass a portion of what is currently the 35th Congressional District, Waters could choose to vie for the proposed new seat, in which case Hall said he would back out of the race.
“My run is contingent upon whether Maxine decides to run,” Hall said.
1:39pm | State Assemblyman Isadore Hall III, D-Compton, announced Friday that he plans to run for a proposed new congressional seat based on the first draft map released about a week ago by the California Citizens Redistricting Commission, which features a new congressional district in Compton.
Hall’s 52nd Assembly District includes portions of North Long Beach.
The following is the text of a news release issued by Hall’s staffers regarding his announcement:
Compton, California – California State Assemblymember Isadore Hall announced his campaign for Congress today. Hall intends to run in a new Congressional District, which according to the first draft of maps released by the California Citizens Redistricting Committee on June 10th, might include the cities of Compton, Carson, Lynwood, Hawthorne, Gardena, Lawndale, portions of the City of Los Angeles and Unincorporated Los Angeles County.
“As a local School Board Member, Councilmember and Assemblymember, I have worked tirelessly to make a difference in this community,” said Hall. “Our district needs a representative that will fight cuts to education and gang prevention programs, protect critical frontline services, and partner with President Obama to create family wage jobs.”
“I have spent the past few days talking with friends and community leaders about running for this new seat,” Hall added. “The response has been overwhelming and I am energized by the grassroots support we have already received.”
Hall is a former two term President of the Compton Unified School District Board of Trustees. He was elected to the Compton City Council in 2003 where he served in various leadership positions including Mayor pro Tempore. Hall was elected to the California State Assembly in 2008 and served as Assistant Speaker pro Tempore during his first term. He currently serves as a member of the Appropriations, Elections and Redistricting and Human Services Committees. He chairs the Assembly Committee on Government Organization.
The youngest of six children, Hall was born and raised in the City of Compton. Hall holds a bachelors degree in Business Administration, a Masters Degree in Management and Leadership from the University of Southern California, a Masters Degree in Public Administration from National University and will be conveyed his Ph.D. from Next Dimension Bible College later this summer.
No incumbent member of Congress currently lives in the proposed Congressional District; however, Hall will not seek election to Congress in the event that Congresswoman Maxine Waters seeks to represent the new district.