Two high-profile Democratic state lawmakers have jumped into the race for Rep. Adam Schiff’s soon-to-be-open seat to represent Southern Californians in the 30th Congressional District, along with a half-dozen others who have expressed interest.
State Sen. Anthony Portantino officially threw his hat in the ring on Monday, Jan. 30, three days after state Assemblymember Laura Friedman announced her candidacy.
“I believe that my progressive history of effective leadership on the environment, affordable housing, transportation and civil rights will make a difference in Congress, and I am excited to have this opportunity,” Friedman said in a statement announcing her candidacy.
Friedman was elected to the Assembly in 2016 after serving on the Glendale City Council and as the city’s mayor. According to her campaign, Friedman’s assembly district reaches 63% of voters in the 30th Congressional district.
Portantino, who has served on the state Senate since 2016 and will be termed out in 2024, also served on the state Assembly from 2006 to 2012. Before that, he served on the La Cañada Flintridge City Council and twice served as the city’s mayor.
“Congressional dysfunction is creating real, life and death consequences for us at home as our community suffers from gun violence, the impacts of climate change and politicians who want to push our economy to the breaking point,” Portantino said in a statement announcing his candidacy. “I am not afraid to take on special interests. But I’m also an optimist with a passion to serve, and I want to continue working for you in Congress.”
Six other Democrats, including three current or former elected officials, also registered with the Federal Election Commission, signaling that as of Monday afternoon they are considering a run for the seat.
Los Angeles Unified School District board member Nick Melvoin confirmed in an interview Monday that he plans on formally announcing his candidacy this week.
Melvoin, a former teacher, said he believes he could have further impact outside the classroom by working on legislation.
“I realized how many factors outside of the classroom and even outside of the school house affect our kids and families – from housing to unemployment to climate to community safety,” he said. “For me, it’s just about continuing to amplify my impact.”
Tech entrepreneur Josh Bocanegra, said on TikTok last week that he’s running and that a formal campaign announcement video will be released soon.
G Maebe Pudlo, better known as Maebe A. Girl, has registered to run. The Silver Lake Neighborhood Council member made an unsuccessful bid last November for the 30th Congressional District seat. Girl recently posted on Twitter running for the seat again.
Three Democrats, who have not yet said they are running, have filed paperwork with the FEC to form campaign committees, and they are:
– Former L.A. City Attorney Mike Feuer, who also ran for mayor of L.A. last year before dropping out and endorsing Karen Bass, who ultimately won.
– Boy Meets World actor Ben Savage, who ran unsuccessfully for the West Hollywood City Council in 2022.
– Drew Michael Britton.
The race for the District 30 seat has opened up, now that Schiff, the current officeholder, has announced plans to run for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Sen. Dianne Feinstein, in 2024.
Mark Gonzalez, chair of the L.A. County Democratic Party, said in an interview that he’s aware of at least one more person who hadn’t filed with the FEC as of Monday who may decide to run for Schiff’s seat.
Given what appears to be shaping up as a crowded field, Gonzalez said he expects it to be “a very expensive race and a very difficult race to have the party weigh in” on.
The 30th Congressional District represents the communities of Atwater Village, Burbank, East Hollywood, Echo Park, Elysian Valley, Fairfax, Glendale, Griffith Park, Hancock Park, Hollywood, Hollywood Hills, Larchmont Village, Los Feliz, Mid-Wilshire, Miracle Mile, Park La Brea, Pasadena, Shadow Hills, Silver Lake, Sunland, Tujunga, Universal City and West Hollywood.
