The 7th District City Council campaign of LBCC Trustee Roberto Uranga officially began over the weekend, when the husband of current 7th District Councilmember Tonia Reyes Uranga held a celebration at a Golden Avenue home on Friday. The announcement was far from surprising, as Uranga announced his intention to run for the position months ago. But as his hat is officially thrown into a ring that also includes Wrigley Area Neighborhood Alliance president Jill Hill and Assistant City Auditor James Johnson, the three candidates prepare for one of the most competitive races in next April’s slew of local elections.
Uranga’s resume isn’t heavy on politics, but the 25-year 7th District resident has served on a multitude of local organization boards that includes stints as president of both the Hispanic Business Association and the League of United Latin American Citizens. A founding boardmember of the Wrigley Association, Uranga was introduced by Assemblymember Warren Furutani – one of the many endorsements that Uranga touts in press releases, along with a few fellow Trustees and former Long Beach Mayor Tom Clark.
It will be interesting to see how the 7th District race continues to play out leading up to April. Will Johnson or Hill emerge in front, or will Long Beach see the 7th District Council seat occupied by the name “Uranga” once again?