“As a dedicated housing advocate for the past decade, I stand unwavering in my commitment to ending homelessness. With a profound understanding of the pressing issues at hand, my top priority is to spearhead the creation of more affordable housing options. Coupled with a steadfast determination to expand and enhance mental health services, I believe that these concerted efforts are crucial in guaranteeing that every individual has a place to call home.”
-- Laura Richardson
About Laura
Laura Richardson was born and raised primarily in the 35th Senate District.
At the age of two, her parents divorced, leaving her mother alone to raise two daughters on a limited salary.
After Laura’s mother secured a job as an accountant for a Teamster represented company, her family learned firsthand about the value and importance of unions, organizing, fair wages, and health benefits. Because of her mother’s job, Laura was able to participate in after-school programming, get the braces she needed, and her family could afford to go on occasional summer vacations.
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As a lifelong resident of the 35th Senate District and someone who has represented the majority of the district in the State Assembly, I bring a wealth of experience to the office and will be ready on day-one to fight for resources for our district. Our district grapples with pressing issues such housing and homelessness, public safety, wage inequality, and access to basic necessities for a quality of life. Drawing from my extensive experience and track record, which encompasses both private sector expertise acquired at a prominent corporation and commitment to public service as a Councilmember, State Assemblymember, and Congresswoman, I recognize the paramount importance of fostering relationships and forging public-private partnerships with labor, businesses, and faith-based communities to deliver tangible results for our constituents.
I am committed to addressing the pressing issues that affect our community. One of my top priorities is finding compassionate and effective solutions for our unhoused neighbors. No one should have to endure the hardships of homelessness, and I will work tirelessly to provide stable housing and supportive services to those in need.
Affordable housing is a fundamental right, and I will focus on creating more affordable housing options within our district. By promoting policies that encourage affordable housing development, we can ensure that individuals and families have access to safe and stable homes that won't burden them with excessive financial stress.
I am also dedicated to fostering an environment that promotes job growth with livable wages. We need to empower our residents with opportunities that provide not only employment but also the ability to support their families and achieve financial security.
Our seniors are the bedrock of our community, and they deserve our support and respect. I am committed to securing enhanced funding for senior programs and services, ensuring that our elderly residents can enjoy their retirement years with dignity and access to essential resources.
Criminal justice sentencing reform is a critical component of achieving a fair and equitable society. I will advocate for policies that promote fairness, reduce mass incarceration, and address the systemic issues within our criminal justice system.
Environmental injustice is a pressing concern, and our district is not immune to its effects. I will fight against environmental injustices, whether they involve pollution, lack of access to green spaces, or other environmental disparities. Our community deserves clean air, clean water, and a healthy environment for all.
I am eager to engage with you, the residents of our district, over the coming months. Your concerns and feedback are invaluable to me. Together, we can work towards positive change on the state level and create a brighter future for our community. Please don't hesitate to reach out, share your thoughts, and let's work together to make a difference.
If you have questions or would like me to address your homeowners association, neighborhood council or community group, feel free to email me at laurarichardson411@yahoo.com.
I respectfully request your vote on March 5th 2024.
Senate District 35 Communities
San Pedro, Wilmington, Carson, Compton, Gardena, Hawthorne, Inglewood, Lawndale, Los Angeles Alondra Park, Del Aire, Dominguez, E. Compton, Florence, La Rambla, Lennox, W. Athens, W. Carson, W. Compton, Willowbrook, Harbor City, Harbor Gateway, Watts, Westchester.
IN THE PRESS
Laura Richardson Secures Endorsements of Largest Latino Dem Club in LA County and Largest Dem Club in the San Pedro/Wilmington Area
Avance Democratic Club and San Pedro Democratic Club Endorse Laura Richardson for State Senate District 35.
SAN PEDRO, CA – After recently securing the endorsement from Inglewood Councilmember Gloria Gray, Laura received a significant boost of momentum by securing the endorsements from two of the Senate District’s largest and most influential Democratic Clubs. Avance is the largest Latino Democratic Club in LA County and their endorsement carries weight in a district with a significant Latino population. The San Pedro Democratic Club is based in the largest city in the 35th Senate District and their membership has a notable amount of ILWU members and elected officials. Laura received 70% of the vote from over 80 members in attendance.
Nilza Serrano, President of Avance Democratic Club said after the endorsement: "The Avance Democratic Club is proud to unite behind Laura Richardson for State Senate. With a strong commitment to justice, equality, and the well-being of people of all backgrounds, Laura is the leader we need in the State Senate. It's crucial to elect a candidate who truly has a long history of not just representing, but championing the rich tapestry of diverse communities that make up this district. That's why the Avance Democratic Club proudly endorses Laura Richardson for State Senate".
Shannon Ross, President of the San Pedro Democratic Club release the following: “The San Pedro Democratic Party is thrilled to endorse Laura Richardson for State Senate. Laura embodies the qualities we seek in a true ally, dedicated worker, and unwavering champion for our community and democratic values. She is not just a politician but a public servant who understands the pressing issues our district faces, and she is eager and equipped to address them effectively. We believe that with Laura in office, our community will have a dedicated advocate who will work tirelessly to protect working families, ensuring safety, affordability and access to good paying jobs, quality health care and a thriving community. We encourage all voters to support Laura in her mission to bring positive change to the district”.
“I am truly honored to have the support of two of the finest Democratic Clubs in the District. These endorsements highlight my relationships and work in the Latino community as well as my commitment and work in the Harbor Area with the Longshoreman community. The San Pedro Dem Club endorsement means a lot to me because I have lived in San Pedro for more than 20 years. I look forward to working with both clubs to create livable wage jobs, protect working families, house our unhoused neighbors, fight for environmental justice issues, and have accessible and affordable healthcare", said Laura Richardson.
Richardson’s announcement compliments her growing list of endorsers that includes:
Lula Davis-Holmes, Mayor, City of Carson
Emma Sharif, Mayor, City of Compton
Barry Waite, Mayor, City of Lomita
Jawane Hilton, Mayor Pro Tem, City of Carson
Angie Reyes-English, Mayor Pro Tem, City of Hawthorne
Cedric Hicks, Councilmember, City of Carson
Lillie Darden, Councilmember, City of Compton
Deidra Duhart, Councilmember, City of Compton
Jonathan Bowers, Councilmember, City of Compton
Wanda Love, Councilmember City of Gardena
Paulette Francis, Councilmember, City of Gardena
Gloria Gray, Councilmember, City of Inglewood
Dr. Khaleah Bradshaw, Clerk City, City of Carson
Barbara Calhoun, President, Compton Community College District Board of Trustees
Satra Zurita, Board Member, Compton Unified School District
Micah Ali, Board Member, Compton Unified School District
Juanita Douse, Commissioner, City of Hawthorne
Ken Miller, Commissioner, City of Lawndale
Robert Katherman, Director, Metropolitan Water Replenishment District
Leticia Vasquez-Wilson, Director, Central Basin Municipal Water District
Harold Williams, Board Member, West Basin Municipal Water District
So Cal Pipe Trades District Council 16
UA Local 250
Teamsters Joint Council 42
ILWU Local 13
Avance Democratic Club
San Pedro Democratic Club
Citizens for Accountable Leadership (CAL)
Los Angeles Police Protective League
Richardson was born in Los Angeles to bi-racial parents and lives in San Pedro. She was raised by a single mother after her parents divorced when she was two. Her mother was a member of the Teamsters and remains a retiree today. Laura graduated with a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of California, Los Angeles, and earned her MBA from the University of Southern California's Marshall School of Business.
Richardson served on the Long Beach City Council from 2000 to 2006, and while serving in the Assembly in 2007 after the untimely passing of Congresswoman Juanita Millender McDonald, she was elected to the House of Representatives, representing District 37, where she served three terms before redistricting significantly altered California's congressional map, resulting in the loss of African American representation for the first time in decades.
Senate District 35 includes the Los Angeles County communities of Westchester, 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 election will take place on March 5, 2024.
Laura Richardson Surges Ahead with Powerful Endorsement by ILWU Local 13
ILWU’s Influential Endorsement Joins Large Coalition of Labor Organizations Supporting Richardson in SD 35 Race
SAN PEDRO, CA – ILWU Local 13, which represents dockworkers in one of the world’s largest port complexes and is responsible for moving goods throughout the country, endorsed Laura Richardson for State Senate – helping Laura secure a commanding lead and reinforcing her support from organizations representing working families. ILWU represents over 9,000 union members and has a large presence in the Harbor communities of San Pedro and Wilmington, the largest area in the newly drawn 35th Senate District.
“The International Longshoremen's and Warehousemen's (ILWU), Local 13 is proud to endorse Laura Richardson for State Senate. Laura has shown a deep commitment to the well-being of working families and we particularly appreciate her steadfast dedication to workers and jobs over automation and offshore profits, a stance that aligns with our union's values and priorities," said ILWU Local 13 President Gary Herrera. "Laura understands the challenges faced by working families and has a proven track record of advocating for fair wages, safe working conditions, and strong labor protections. We believe she will be a powerful voice for us in the State Senate, the Harbor community, and we wholeheartedly support Laura Richardson's candidacy."
“I am truly honored to have the support of ILWU Local 13, which not only has the largest presence in the 35th District but is a critical force in creating local jobs and protecting working families, " said Laura Richardson. “I was raised in a union household as my mother was an active 20+ years Teamster’s member and now a 20+ year retiree. I know firsthand that organized labor is the cornerstone of modern democracy and I am proud of my track record in the State Assembly and in Congress for championing organized labor and my commitment to uplifting the voices of working families. Labor unions are essential for creating a society that works for us all and I am proud to have the support of ILWU Local 13.”
Richardson’s announcement compliments her growing list of endorsers that includes:
Lula Davis-Holmes, Mayor, City of Carson
Emma Sharif, Mayor, City of Compton
Barry Waite, Mayor, City of Lomita
Jawane Hilton, Mayor Pro Tem, City of Carson
Angie Reyes-English, Mayor Pro Tem, City of Hawthorne
Cedric Hicks, Councilmember, City of Carson
Lillie Darden, Councilmember, City of Compton
Deidra Duhart, Councilmember, City of Compton
Jonathan Bowers, Councilmember, City of Compton
Wanda Love, Councilmember City of Gardena
Paulette Francis, Councilmember, City of Gardena
Dr. Khaleah Bradshaw, Clerk City, City of Carson
Barbara Calhoun, President, Compton Community College District Board of Trustees
Satra Zurita, Board Member, Compton Unified School District
Micah Ali, Board Member, Compton Unified School District
Juanita Douse, Commissioner, City of Hawthorne
Ken Miller, Commissioner, City of Lawndale
Robert Katherman, Director, Metropolitan Water Replenishment District
Leticia Vasquez-Wilson, Director, Central Basin Municipal Water District
Harold Williams, Board Member, West Basin Municipal Water District
So Cal Pipe Trades District Council 16
UA Local 250
Teamsters Joint Council 42
ILWU Local 13
Richardson was born in Los Angeles to bi-racial parents and lives in San Pedro. She was raised by a single mother after her parents divorced when she was two. Her mother was a member of the Teamsters and remains a retiree today. Laura graduated with a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of California, Los Angeles, and earned her MBA from the University of Southern California's Marshall School of Business.
Richardson served on the Long Beach City Council from 2000 to 2006, and while serving in the Assembly in 2007 after the untimely passing of Congresswoman Juanita Millender McDonald, she was elected to the House of Representatives, representing District 37, where she served three terms before redistricting significantly altered California's congressional map, resulting in the loss of African American representation for the first time in decades.
Senate District 35 includes the Los Angeles County communities of Westchester, 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 election will take place on March 5, 2024.
Laura Richardson Secures Endorsement of Prominent Business Organization
San Pedro, CA – Today, Laura has secured a pivotal endorsement from Citizens for Accountable Leadership (CAL) following an exhaustive interview process. Comprising distinguished business and community leaders in Southern California, CAL has a rich history, having previously organized as the African American Leadership Finance Council for the Joe Biden/Kamala Harris Campaign.
The group decided to continue its efforts as an unincorporated association under the name Citizens for Accountable Leadership (CAL). Its dual mission is to provide a platform for candidates to discuss issues that are relevant to the community and to promote political engagement, education, and empowerment. Additionally, CAL raises funds for candidates who are running for public office, if it’s compelling to the organization.
In announcing the organization's endorsement, the following statement was released: Citizens for Accountable Leadership, better known as (CAL), is an unincorporated association that provides a platform for candidates to discuss issues that are relevant to the community, and to promote political engagement, education, and empowerment. According to Dr. Gail Willis, Chair of CAL, “Laura Richardson is the most qualified candidate for the California State Senate, District 35, who has an enriched background and experience, which enables her to serve the community. I strongly believe that she has the ability to bring the necessary resources to the community in order for residents to have a better quality of life. Due to Laura Richardson’s extensive background and many years in serving the community, I strongly believe that she will serve the constituents well in the 35th Senate District, stated CAL’s Vice Chair, Rickey Ivie, Esq.
Laura, herself a small business owner, said, “I am honored to have the support and endorsement of some of Southern California’s most prominent business and community leaders and a highly respected organization who has helped elect many of our current elected officials. I look forward to working collectively with the group to bring resources into the district”.
The Citizens for Accountable Leadership (CAL) include Dr. Gail Willis, Rickey Ivie, Esq.,
(vice-chair), Clifton Albright, Esq., Charles McLurkin, Esq, J. Stanley Sanders, Esq., Hon. Nate Holden, Kerry C. Cox, M.D., Reginald Holmes, Esq., Joseph T. Rouzan III, Dr. Cheyenne Bryant, Joy Atkinson, and Eric Bates, Esq., Carl E. Douglas, Esq., Robert W. Brown, Esq., Anthony Willoughby, Esq., Anthony Calloway, M.D., Paul C. Hudson, Esq., Hon. Sherrill D. Luke, Hon. Jerome Horton, Jimmie Woods Gray, Joseph Chow, Tony Nicholas, Carmen Hawkins, Esq., Antoinette Anderson, Ed Anderson, Vilma Dawson, Ivor Dawson, Armen D. Ross, Greg Dulan, and Celestine Palmer.
Richardson’s announcement compliments her growing list of endorsers that includes:
Lula Davis-Holmes, Mayor, City of Carson
Emma Sharif, Mayor, City of Compton
Barry Waite, Mayor, City of Lomita
Jawane Hilton, Mayor Pro Tem, City of Carson
Angie Reyes-English, Mayor Pro Tem, City of Hawthorne
Cedric Hicks, Councilmember, City of Carson
Lillie Darden, Councilmember, City of Compton
Deidra Duhart, Councilmember, City of Compton
Jonathan Bowers, Councilmember, City of Compton
Wanda Love, Councilmember City of Gardena
Paulette Francis, Councilmember, City of Gardena
Gloria Gray, Councilmember, City of Inglewood
Dr. Khaleah Bradshaw, Clerk City, City of Carson
Barbara Calhoun, President, Compton Community College District Board of Trustees
Satra Zurita, Board Member, Compton Unified School District
Micah Ali, Board Member, Compton Unified School District
Juanita Douse, Commissioner, City of Hawthorne
Ken Miller, Commissioner, City of Lawndale
Robert Katherman, Director, Metropolitan Water Replenishment District
Leticia Vasquez-Wilson, Director, Central Basin Municipal Water District
Harold Williams, Board Member, West Basin Municipal Water District
So Cal Pipe Trades District Council 16
UA Local 250
Teamsters Joint Council 42
ILWU Local 13
Avance Democratic Club
San Pedro Democratic Club
Citizens for Accountable Leadership (CAL)
Richardson was born in Los Angeles to bi-racial parents and lives in San Pedro. She was raised by a single mother after her parents divorced when she was two. Her mother was a member of the Teamsters and remains a retiree today. Laura graduated with a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of California, Los Angeles, and earned her MBA from the University of Southern California's Marshall School of Business.
Richardson served on the Long Beach City Council from 2000 to 2006, and while serving in the Assembly in 2007 after the untimely passing of Congresswoman Juanita Millender McDonald, she was elected to the House of Representatives, representing District 37, where she served three terms before redistricting significantly altered California's congressional map, resulting in the loss of African American representation for the first time in decades.
Senate District 35 includes the Los Angeles County communities of Westchester, 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 election will take place on March 5, 2024.
For more information please visit – www.laura4senate.com
Laura Richardson Dominates With Over $270k in First Fundraising Report
Showing her campaign’s momentum for State Senate, Democrat and former Congressmember Laura Richarson announced that her campaign has surpassed more than a quarter of a million dollars in the first fundraising period of 2023 outpacing all of her competitors. In a field of five, Richardson’s campaign dominated first place with $274,567–nearly 2.5 times more than her closest competitor. Richardson, who previously represented much of the district as an Assemblymember and Congresswoman, is seeking to replace Senator Steve Bradford in Senate District 35 who terms out at the end of 2024.
Richardson’s announcement compliments her growing list of endorsers that includes Emma Sharif, Mayor, City of Compton, Lula Davis-Holmes, Mayor, City of Carson, Barry Waite, Mayor, City of Lomita, Jawane Hilton, Mayor Pro Tem, City of Carson, Angie Reyes-English, Mayor Pro Tem, City of Hawthorne, Cedric Hicks, Councilmember, City of Carson, Lillie Darden, Councilmember, City of Compton, Deidra Duhart, Councilmember, City of Compton, Wanda Love, Councilmember City of Gardena, Dr. Khaleah Bradshaw, Clerk, City of Carson, Barbara Calhoun, Trustee, Compton Community College District Board of Trustees, Satra Zurita, Board Member, Compton Unified School District, Micah Ali, Board Member, Compton Unified School District, Juanita Douse, Commissioner, City of Hawthorne, Ken Miller, Commissioner, City of Lawndale, Robert Katherman, Director, Metropolitan Water Replenishment District, Leticia Vasquez-Wilson, Director, Central Basin Municipal Water District, and Harold Williams, Board Member, West Basin Municipal Water District.
“I’m proud of the support I’ve been shown since entering this race,” Richardson commented. “Today’s fundraising announcement shows that I have wide range of support from residents, business owners, and organizations. I plan to continue to raise the resources needed to run a competitive and effective campaign to ensure that my message reaches voters.”
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 election will take place on March 5, 2024.
Laura Richardson Secures Two Powerful Labor Union Endorsements
SAN PEDRO, CA - Democratic State Senate candidate and former Congressmember Laura Richardson has been endorsed by the UA Journeyman and Apprentices Local 250 and the Southern California Pipe Trades District Council 16 in her bid to replace Senator Steve Bradford in Senate District 35 who terms out at the end of 2024.
I am a part of a union household as my Mom is a retired Teamster and I am a former union member. "I know firsthand that organized labor is the cornerstone of modern democracy," added Richardson. I am proud of my track record in the State Assembly and in Congress for championing organized labor and my commitment to uplifting the voices of working families. Labor unions are essential for creating a society that works for us all and I am proud to have the support of the men and women of UA Journeyman and Apprentices Local 250 and the So Cal Pipe Trades District Council 16.
The United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices Local 250 represents plumbers, pipefitters, sprinkler fitters, HVACR service technicians, welders, and pipeliners working in the construction industry in Los Angeles County. The Pipe Trades District Council 16 represents 13 local unions in Southern California.
Richardson’s announcement compliments her growing list of endorsers that includes:
Lula Davis-Holmes, Mayor, City of Carson
Emma Sharif, Mayor, City of Compton
Barry Waite, Mayor, City of Lomita
Jawane Hilton, Mayor Pro Tem, City of Carson
Angie Reyes-English, Mayor Pro Tem, City of Hawthorne
Cedric Hicks, Councilmember, City of Carson
Lillie Darden, Councilmember, City of Compton
Deidra Duhart, Councilmember, City of Compton
Wanda Love, Councilmember City of Gardena
Dr. Khaleah Bradshaw, Clerk City, City of Carson
Barbara Calhoun, President, Compton Community College District Board of Trustees
Satra Zurita, Board Member, Compton Unified School District
Micah Ali, Board Member, Compton Unified School District
Juanita Douse, Commissioner, City of Hawthorne
Ken Miller, Commissioner, City of Lawndale
Robert Katherman, Director, Metropolitan Water Replenishment District
Leticia Vasquez-Wilson, Director, Central Basin Municipal Water District
Harold Williams, Board Member, West Basin Municipal Water District
A recent survey of likely March 2024 primary voters in California’s 35th State Senate District conducted by Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz & Associates (FM3 Research) shows former Congresswoman Laura Richardson 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.
Richardson was born in Los Angeles and lives in San Pedro. She was raised by a single mother after her parents divorced when she was two. Her mother was a member of the Teamsters and remains a retiree today. Laura graduated with a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of California, Los Angeles, and earned her MBA from the University of Southern California's Marshall School of Business.
Richardson served on the Long Beach City Council from 2000 to 2006, and while serving in the Assembly in 2007 after the untimely passing of Congresswoman Juanita Millender McDonald, she was elected to the House of Representatives, representing District 37, where she served three terms before redistricting significantly altered California's congressional map, resulting in the loss of African American representation for the first time in decades.
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 election will take place on March 5, 2024.