Huizar Endorses Jimmy Gomez in 51st Assembly District Race

gave his endorsement Tuesday to Jimmy Gomez, one of the two candidates who will face off in the November general elections for a seat in the 51st Assembly District.

Gomez, along with his electoral rival Luis Lopez, won the run off in the recent June 5 primaries to the 51st Assembly District. While Gomez secured 37.6 percent of the vote, claiming first place, Lopez won 24.5 percent, coming second, and narrowly defeating his closest contender, Arturo Chavez, by a 1.1-percent margin. On June 12, Chavez declared his support for Lopez in the run up to the November 6 general elections.

“With the addition of Councilmember Huizar's endorsement, Gomez is now the only candidate to have the endorsement of all three Los Angeles City Council members representing the communities of the 51st Assembly District,” a news statement issued by Gomez’s campaign declared, referring to previous endorsements by Council members Ed Reyes and Eric Garcetti, who is contesting the 2013 L.A. mayoral election. 

“I wholeheartedly endorse Jimmy Gomez for the 51st Assembly District,” the news statement from Gomez’s campaign quoted Huizar as saying. “Jimmy will be a representative who can effectively advocate for all of our communities—from Eagle Rock to El Sereno. He will fight for more funding to improve our schools, strengthen our economy and protect our neighborhoods. I am thrilled to support such a worthy candidate and I look forward to working on his behalf to help get him elected.”

Gomez said in response to the nod: “It’s an honor to be endorsed by Councilmember Huizar. He’s been a great elected leader for the community. I look forward to working with him to bring state resources into the community.”

Related: Gomez, Lopez, Earn Top Spots in 51st Assembly Primary