Former Compton City councilmember, Michelle Chambers, recently landed the endorsement of outgoing State Senator Steven Bradford in her campaign to succeed him in Senate District 35.
“I am proud to support Michelle Chambers for State Senate. Michelle is a true public servant. She has worked tirelessly at the federal, state, and local level of government serving the public and supporting the needs of the community. I am confident that Michelle possesses the knowledge, integrity, and commitment to get things done and will continue to provide the leadership that the residents of the 35th Senate District deserve and expect”.
Said Chambers, “The issues plaguing Senate District 35 demand an experienced representative who is respected and builds bridges in our communities. I intend to continue Bradford’s practice of standing up against injustice, demanding police accountability and advocating for the economic revitalization of our communities. I will focus on livable wages, affordable housing, and creating good job opportunities and I am ready to hit the ground running.”
“I am ready to partner with elected officials, faith-based leaders, community-based organizations, and unions to improve our communities” Chambers added. “Senator Bradford tops a growing list of local and statewide supporters, I’m grateful to have his endorsement.”
While the endorsement is sure to amp up Chamber’s campaign efforts, Chambers is facing some pretty steep competition in former U.S. Congresswoman Laura Richardson, who entered the race last month.
“Throughout my time in public office, I worked hard, brought money and resources into my district, and in conjunction with a committed staff, resolved resident casework for disability and social security claims, significantly adding to much-needed benefits and payments for residents,” said Richardson, who previously served in the California Assembly, representing the 55th District.
Richardson’s website references a survey of likely March 2024 primary voters in California’s 35th State Senate District conducted by Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz & Associates (FM3 Research) showing her to be a strong contender for this open seat.
“The survey found Richardson’s favorability rating to be similar to or better than most current and former elected officials with experience representing communities within the 35th Senate District and better than candidates expressing interest but have not served higher than the local office,” said John Fairbanks.
Hawthorne Councilmember Alex Monteiro and Jennifer Trichelle-Marie Williams, who serves on the LA County Citizens’ Economy and Efficiency Commission, have also entered the race to succeed Bradford.
In addition to Bradford, Chambers—who served on the Compton City Council from 2019-2022—has received the endorsements of State Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, State Senator Lena Gonzalez, Assemblymember Tina McKinnor and former State Senator Isadore Hall.
Senate District 35 includes the Los Angeles County communities of LAX, Inglewood, Compton, Carson, Hawthorne, Lawndale, Gardena, Harbor Gateway, Wilmington, San Pedro, and unincorporated communities of East and West Rancho Dominguez, Lennox, West Athens, Westmont, and Willowbrook.
The statewide primary is set for March 5, 2024.