Kennedy Claims Victory in District 3 Race

Incumbent John Kennedy declared victory in the District 3 race on Wednesday afternoon.

Kennedy leads challengers Brandon Lamar, 1,542 to 1,078. Kennedy has 58.85% of the vote.

We’ve come to the point where it is safe to say I can declare victory,” Kennedy told Pasadena Now when reached by phone.

“I look forward to four more years of serving the residents of District 3 and the city as a whole. All of us who love the city of Pasadena whether we win, come in second place or just show an interest have an opportunity to make this city better.”

Kennedy raced out to a massive lead on election night and never looked back with a stronghold on more than 60% of the vote on election night.

Lamar did not respond to questions about conceding on Wednesday, but touted voter turnout instead.

“This is the most votes that has ever turned out in the history of a District 3 election and I’m happy to have been a part of this monumental moment,” Lamar said. “Currently, at 41% of the votes, I am proud of the hard work of my campaign and how diligent we were about connecting with every household. Running against an incumbent, we knew we would have to work hard and we did just that. As long as votes are being counted, I remain hopeful.”

“No matter how this election turns out, I’m still committed to my neighbors. It is my hope that we all work together to help our community advance. I am still encouraged.”

Lamar is a board member with the nonprofit Pasadenans Organizing for Progress, an executive board member with the Pasadena NAACP, and a member of Leadership Pasadena and Black Los Angeles Young Democrats.

He chairs the city’s Human Relations Commission. Had he won, Lamar would have been the only tenant serving on the City Council.

Kennedy was elected as the District 3 Councilmember in 2013.

According to the city’s website, District 3 is bounded by the 210 Freeway, Colorado Boulevard, Lake Avenue, El Molino Avenue, Orange Grove Boulevard, Los Robles Avenue, Fair Oaks Avenue, Marengo Avenue, Mountain Street, Jackson Street, El Molino Avenue, Ladera Avenue, and Washington Boulevard.

Kennedy has served on the Finance Committee and the Public Safety Committee, and as one of three City representatives to the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority.

Kennedy also helped initiate the creation of the City’s Police Oversight Commission, which was approved after Minnesota motorist George Floyd was killed at the hands of police.

Kennedy called for the building of 3,000 new affordable units in the City, with 15% of those units designated for “extremely low income” residents.