Laura Richardson Continues Her Momentum Secures Endorsement of Inglewood Councilmember Gloria Gray

Councilmember Gray’s Influential Endorsement Adds to Richardson’s Significant Lead Among Endorsements From Local Elected Officials

SAN PEDRO, CA –  After recently securing the endorsements from Gardena Councilmember Paulette Francis and Compton Councilmember Jonathan Bowers, Richardson adds to her impressive list of local elected officials by adding Councilmember Gray. Gloria, one of the longest serving public servants in Inglewood, has served the community on the Inglewood School Board, as an elected Board Member of the West Basin Municipal Water District, and as the first African American Woman to serve as the Chair of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. She is a retired health care administrator and longtime member of SEIU 721.

“As Inglewood City Councilwoman in the First District, I am proud to support Laura Richardson for State Senate in the 35th District. I have worked with Laura for more than 20 years, so I know without a doubt her commitment to Inglewood and additional communities she will represent,” said Councilmember Gloria Gray. “In these challenging times, there are many issues we face right here in Inglewood, such as rising home prices beyond affordability, public safety for our children and our neighborhoods, and diminishing jobs.

Laura Richardson lived in Inglewood as a teenager and knows our neighborhoods.  We need an experienced person in office, someone who has gotten millions of dollars for her District, written laws and has a proven track record of making a difference. Laura exemplifies the kind of leadership we require – and we deserve.  Laura Richardson is someone who brings wisdom, dedication, and a history of service. Laura is a Champion, and her experience is a valuable asset that will help us create a brighter future for all.."

“I am truly honored to have the support of one of Southern California's finest public servants. Councilmember Gray understands the needs of Inglewood residents and the importance of  creating local jobs, protecting working families, housing our unhoused neighbors and having accessible healthcare", said Laura Richardson. “I look forward to working with Councilmember Gray to improve the lives of all Inglewood residents”.

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

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.