Democratic Party Endorses Chris Holden Assembly Bid

Pasadena City Councilmember Chris Holden, a candidate for State Assembly in the 41st district, has received the official endorsement of the California Democratic Party, which held its state convention in San Diego this past weekend, campaign sources said today.

In recent weeks, Holden has garnered support from environmental organizations, labor groups and local officials in the 41st district, including the mayors of Pasadena, Monrovia and Claremont.  Holden will join the official list of federal and state candidates endorsed by the party in the primary.

“People recognize the important work that Chris has done in Pasadena and see great value in having him as our voice in Sacramento,” said Sam Pedroza, Mayor of Claremont and a Holden supporter. “Whether his work to help small businesses in downtown Pasadena, his leadership in securing the Gold Line, or his attention to the needs of working families, Chris has proven he can get things done for the Foothill communities.”

Holden has served for more than two decades on the Pasadena City Council. In 1997, Holden became the first African American man to serve the city as Mayor. He led the fight to create the city’s first living wage ordinance, helped manage utility deregulation and fought for the Gold Line rail line that connects Pasadena to Los Angeles. Holden also created the task force that led to the creation of Paseo Colorado and reconnected the historic civic center and new convention center, a key project in the revitalization of downtown Pasadena.

The newly drawn 41st Assembly district includes Atladena, Claremont, La Verne, Monrovia, Pasadena, San Dimas, Sierra Madre, South Pasadena, Rancho Cucamonga and Upland.