Gordo Declares Victory in Mayor’s Race

Mayoral Candidate Victor Gordo declared victory on Thursday as he continued to lead incumbent Mayor Terry Tornek with 54 percent of the vote. 

According to an update released on Thursday, the District 5 Councilman currently leads with 31,712 votes. Tornek has 26,614 votes.  

“I am incredibly honored by the tens of thousands of voters who placed their faith in me. Their message that we need a city government that puts their interests first is clear and I won’t let them down.  I will represent the best interest of all residents of our City. 

“I also want to applaud my opponent, Mayor Terry Tornek, for running a spirited campaign, and for his service and years-long dedication to our City. 

“This election was never about one person — it was about the people of Pasadena. The voters wanted change — and to take the city in a new direction. I am excited to work together with Pasadena residents and with my colleagues on the city council to move our city forward during this challenging time.” 

If Gordo maintains his lead he will be sworn in on Dec. 7. New Councilmember Felicia Williams and incumbents Tyron Hampton, Gene Masuda and Steve Madison will also be sworn in.  

Williams, Hampton and Madison endorsed Gordo. Masuda did not endorse during the race. 

In the March primary, Gordo came out on top over Tornek, recording 45.99 percent, or 10,702 ballots cast in that race. But the two campaigns were placed on hold almost immediately when the pandemic struck. Gordo eventually led the charge to reopen city government, pushing for committees and commissions to return to work.

The oldest of five children, Gordo, who was born in Zacatecas, Mexico, moved to Pasadena with his family when he was 5 years old.

“We lived in a two-car garage,” Gordo recalled to the Pasadena Weekly in 2017. “In the corner of that garage was a Folgers Coffee can. In the can was a written list of friends and family and their phone numbers, some cash, and some other documents. If my parents ever didn’t come home, I was to take that can and walk to my neighbor’s house for help.”

After graduating from Pasadena High School, he enrolled in classes at Pasadena City College and eventually attended Azusa Pacific University. He later served as former Councilmember Bill Crowfoot’s field representative before winning the District 5 seat in 2001.

This is a developing story. Pasadena Now will update it as more information becomes available.