Editor’s Note: This is the first of a new Friday feature, the Post’s weekly endorsement roundup. The section will include a roundup of endorsements received throughout the week among candidates competing for the June 7 general election.
With about a month to go until the June general election, 2nd District candidates Jeannine Pearce and Eric Gray continue to receive endorsements from prominent groups and politicians. Pearce found herself in the lead after the April 12 municipal primary, but Gray is looking to knock her out of the top spot.
This week, Gray announced the endorsement of Supervisor Don Knabe, while Pearce announced the endorsement of the Long Beach Firefighters Association.
“When it comes to the safety and economic development of the 2nd Council District, Eric Gray is clearly the best candidate,” said Knabe in a statement. “His experience, leadership, and roots in the Long Beach community is a testament to his passion of making the 2nd District the best it can be. I’m confident that District 2 residents will have an effective and collaborative community leader in City Hall by electing Eric Gray.”
“I am honored to receive the endorsement of Don Knabe, who has been a legendary leader for Long Beach,” said Gray in a statement. “He has set the example for public service as a bona fide problem solver and consensus builder that I intend to continue on the City Council.”
Other prominent endorsements for Gray include those of Assemblymember (and former councilmember) Patrick O’Donnell, former Long Beach vice mayor Val Lerch and former mayor Bob Foster, councilmembers Lena Gonzalez and Suzie Price, as well as the Long Beach Police Officers Association.
The Long Beach Firefighters Association also explained their reasons for endorsing Pearce.
“Jeannine understands that the LBFD is one of the busiest fire departments per capita in California,” said Rex Pritchard, Political Director for Local 372 in a statement. “She supports the restoration of LBFD trucks, engines, and ambulances that were shut down during budget cuts and will make our Firefighters and Paramedics a top priority on the City Council. That’s why we are proud to stand with Jeannine Pearce and we urge the residents of the 2nd District to support her campaign.”
“These brave men and women risk their lives daily for our community—ensuring they have resources necessary to keep us safe is my top priority,” said Pearce in a statement. “I’ve had the privilege of getting to know many of them, go on calls with them and hear what they sacrifice in the name of our safety. I look forward to partnering with our firefighters to ensure our residents have the best public safety team available.”
Other prominent endorsements for Pearce include those of Congresswoman Janice Hahn, Supervisor Sheila Kuehl, Vice Mayor Suja Lowenthal, councilmembers Rex Richardson and Roberto Uranga, the Sierra Club and the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor. Click here to see a full list of endorsements.