More candidates emerge for state elections

State Sen. Bob Archuleta is running for re-election. (Courtesy photo)

DOWNEY – Several local political leaders have officially announced their intent to run for election to the Senate and State Assembly.

Bob Archuleta eyes 30th Senate District

Current State Senator Bob Archuleta will seek the 30th Senate District seat, which is a reconfiguration of the 32nd District, where he is the incumbent.

“It’s been an honor and privilege to represent District 32 in the State Capitol, never taking for granted the responsibility and faith the people have bestowed upon me,” Archuleta said in a press release. “Now, I will continue that same enthusiasm in the new cities and unincorporated areas that make up the 30th Senate District.”

Since being elected in 2018, Archuleta has been a strong advocate of several diverse issues, including the environment, military personnel and their families, veterans, homelessness, and public safety.

He became the first Latino Army Veteran named to Chair the Senate Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs, and serves on the Business, Professions and Economic Development, Governmental Organization, Transportation and Insurance committees.

In August 2019, Archuleta was appointed to the Governor’s Military Council by Governor Gavin Newsom, which oversees 32 military bases in California. He was also selected to chair the Senate Select Committee on Hydrogen and Energy

If elected, Archuleta would maintain representation of the cities and unincorporated areas of Pico Rivera, Montebello, Whittier, Hacienda Heights, La Mirada, Bellflower, Downey, La Habra Heights, Norwalk, Santa Fe Springs, and Los Nietos, while also adding Walnut, Brea, La Puente, City of Industry, Diamond Bar, Valinda, Avocado Heights, South San Jose Hills, and Rowland Heights. He would no longer represent the cities of Artesia, Cerritos, Commerce, Hawaiian Gardens and Lakewood.

64th Assembly District

More than one official has thrown their hat into the 64th State Assembly ring, challenging Downey mayor Blanca Pacheco, who declared her candidacy last month.

The open 64th Assembly District seat represents the cities of Norwalk, La Mirada, Downey, Santa Fe Springs, Cudahy, Bell, Bell Gardens, La Habra, and the unincorporated area of South Whittier. It replaces the current 58th District seat currently held by Cristina Garcia, who is campaigning for a seat in Congress.

Ana Valencia

Former Norwalk - La Mirada Unified School District Board member and current Norwalk City Council woman Ana Valencia officially launched her campaign in January.

“I am excited to launch my campaign for State Assembly and for the opportunity to represent our communities in Sacramento,” she said in a press release. “I understand first-hand the issues facing our district and we must work together to take on the challenges of the pandemic, the economy, our schools, and inside our classrooms.”

“That’s why I am running for State Assembly, to champion issues unique to our district. I will fight for working families including prevailing wages, quality affordable health care, clean and safe communities, provide assistance to small businesses and families during the pandemic, housing, modernized schools, and fully fund K-12 education.”

She enters her campaign with $100K and a myriad of endorsements, including Norwalk City Councilman Tony Ayala, La Mirada City Councilman John Lewis, Downey City Councilman Sean Ashton, NLMUSD Board Members President Norma Amezcua, Vice President Jorge Tirado, Chris Staples and Karen Morrison, Cerritos College Board of Trustees members Carmen Avalos and Dr. Shin Liu, South Whittier School District Board Members Jan Baird and Sylvia Macias, Whittier Union High School District Board Members Jeff Baird and Jaime Lopez, and retired Assemblywoman Sally Havice Morales.

More information can be found at AnaValenciaforAssembly.com

Dr. Rob Cancio

Dr. Roberto “Rob” Cancio is also hoping to claim the 64th Assembly seat.

Cancio is a current NLMUSD School Board member, a college professor, and a decorated military veteran who served in the United States Navy in Iraq. He announced his campaign in January.

“Service – to this country, to the advancement of young minds, and to our working-class community – is my life,” said Cancio in a press release. “I see so much need and anxiety here locally; from COVID, homeless everywhere, and crime on the rise.”

“Solutions? No, the politicians blame and finger point. It’s time for less talk, and more trust. That’s why I’m running.”

A product of local schools, Cancio enlisted in the Navy after graduating from Southeast Military Academy. He served as a cryptologist, completing two global deployments, and being awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal in addition to various other decorations, medals, and citations.

He attended East Los Angeles College for his A.A., UC Berkeley for his B.A., and the University of Miami for his M.A. and Ph.D. degrees, and has certifications from Harvard University, the University of Florida, and Loyola Marymount University, where he also has taught and regularly published work on mental health, substance use, and violence including research on sexual violence against women in the military.

He had strong words for both voters and his opponents.

“I was prepared to stay on the school board. But when this seat opened up, I looked at the candidates and decided more of the same just won’t do any longer. So, I’m offering voters a choice: more of the same? Or a change to tested, fearless leadership with integrity,” he said.

Cancio has contributed $150,000 to start off his campaign. More information can be found at votecancio.com.

Elizabeth Alcantar

Mayor Elizabeth Alcantar of Cudahy made her campaign official last week.

The youngest elected official and first Latina Mayor in the city of Cudahy, Alcantar is already credited with leading her city through two separate emergencies: the 2018 Delta jet fuel dump and COVID-19 pandemic.

“I know what it’s like to serve our community during a time of crisis,” Alcantar said in a statement. “When Delta airlines dumped 15,000 gallons of jet fuel on our community, I took immediate action to help inform residents and push for fair restitution for those harmed. When the COVID-19 pandemic began, I led efforts to protect public health and help our neighbors by implementing rental subsidies, food distributions, and meal delivery services for seniors. We must keep working to empower all Californians. I’m ready to be the fighter that our communities deserve so we can finally achieve tuition-free public college, universal healthcare, and strengthen worker’s rights and protections.”

Alcantar represents the City of Cudahy on the Gateway Council of Governments, the Hub Cities Job Joint Powers Authority, and AQMD’s AB617 Community Steering Committee while serving on the California League of Cities, Women’s Caucus Board of Directors.

She has a host of support from local leaders across the district, including Bell City Councilmembers Monica Arroyo, Fidencio Joel Gallardo, and Ali Saleh, Bell Gardens City Councilmember Lisseth Flores, Cudahy Vice Mayor Jose Gonzalez, and Cudahy City Councilmember Daisy Lomeli, Alhambra City Councilmember Sasha Renée Pérez, Commerce Mayor Leonard Mendoza, Commerce Mayor Pro Tem Oralia Rebollo, Lynwood Mayor Pro Tem Jose Luis Solache, Lynwood City Councilmember Marisela Santana, Maywood City Councilmember Eddie De La Riva, Montebello City Councilmember Scarlet Peralta, South Gate City Councilmembers Denise Diaz and Gil Hurtado, and Montebello Unified School Boardmember Elizabeth Cabrera.