Imelda Padilla declared her victory in the special election for the 6th district of the Los Angeles Council when the most updated vote count was released, this Friday, June 30, which gives her 55.79% of the votes against 44.21% of his opponent Marisa Alcaraz.
Padilla has obtained 8,520 votes against 6,751 for Alcaraz, a difference in votes that ensures victory.
At the same time, his opponent Alcaraz accepted his defeat on social networks; while based on the vote of the elections that give Padilla the victory, the president of the Council Paul Krekorian, presented a motion that in accordance with section 409 (b) of the Constitutional Charter, designates her as councilor of district 6 while the certified results of the elections are known.
The electoral results will be certified on Friday, July 7; and Padilla is expected to be sworn in as a council member for District 6 in early August, after the Los Angeles Council returns from recess.
“My journey as a leader in the northern San Fernando Valley began when I was 15 years old and joined the City of Los Angeles Youth Council,” Padilla said in a statement.
“That experience sparked a lifelong passion for organizing and serving the Valley’s working families, seniors and youth.”
Photo: Impremedia
So he said that knowing the results that give him victory, he feels like the last 20 years were a preparation to get to the Council.
“As we wait for the final results of this election to be certified, I am incredibly encouraged by these official results; and I am ready to serve as the next councilwoman for the communities of Council District 6.”
He claimed his campaign for Los Angeles City Council was about mobilizing community and neighborhood leaders to improve the quality of life for those represented in the 6th district.
“I am deeply grateful to each and every organization that came together to raise the Valley with me.”
And she emphasized that she will work together with the coalition they built in the campaign to be the leader of the communities in the City Hall.
“Together, we will clean up our parks and streets, build more affordable housing, attract good-paying middle-class jobs, bolster our small businesses, and ensure our public safety officers and first responders have the full support so we can make the Valley safe. and prosperous for the enjoyment of all.
He told voters and supporters of his opponents that he will work every day to win their support and trust.
“I am ready to bring a new chapter of leadership to the Valley. I will not put our communities at risk. I will champion the values and needs of our region, and I hope that with the continued support of all Valley communities who have joined my campaign, we will make all of Los Angeles proud.”
Padilla, 35, has been a community organizer for 20 years. She will occupy the seat that Nury Martínez vacated on the Los Angeles Council last October when she was forced to resign.
Among the public figures who supported him to be a councilor, the following stand out: Councilor Mónica Rodríguez, Assemblywoman Luz Rivas, Senator Carolina Menjivar, Treasurer Fiona Ma, Congressman Tony Cárdenas, Assembly President Anthony Rendon; and the three Los Angeles newspapers, La Opinión, the Los Angeles Times and the Los Angeles Daily News, as well as various unions.
With Padilla’s arrival on the Council in mid-August, when the Council returns from its recess, she will become the third Latina councilwoman. Mónica Rodriguez represents district 7 and Eunisses Hernández represents district 1. In total there will be five Latinos, to the three Latina councilors they are joined by councilors Kevin de León for district 14; and Hugo Soto Martínez for the 13th district. And with Padilla, there will be 7 women councilors among a total of 15 Los Angeles councilors.
congratulations from the mayor
“I want to congratulate Councilmember-elect Padilla on her election to represent the people of City Council District 6. The Northeast San Fernando Valley will have a champion on City Hall and I look forward to working with the councilwoman-elect to give homeless Angelenos a roof and make Los Angeles a safer and more livable place for all,” said Mayor Karen Bass .
Hans Johnson, chair of the Eastern Area Progressive Democrats, said they are proud of the great victory for Imelda Padilla, whom he considered not only a community organizer but an advocate for public education.
“Imelda has witnessed the unique role of teachers and public education at all levels in inspiring learning, service to others, and the tenacity to overcome obstacles.”
She added that the councilwoman-elect has spent two decades working for the environment, for living wages for Los Angeles workers, for expanding opportunities for women and girls, and for protecting public schools, while earning her bachelor’s degree at UC, Berkeley. and his master’s degree from Cal State Northridge (CSUN).
Photo: Courtesy
Marisa Alcaraz accepts defeat
Marisa Alcaraz accepted her defeat by posting on social networks that “winning is not always a guarantee.”
And he pointed out that the Alcaraz team put their hearts, sweat and soul into the competition. “We ran a robust, intentional, community-focused campaign that unfortunately fell short of us winning.”
But regardless of the results, I’m glad that District 6 finally has representation again and the district has a voice on the Council.
“Regardless of the sacrifices, which were many, I don’t regret anything. Although this chapter closes, my role as a public servant does not end. I will remain committed to my mission to give everything for working families no matter what capacity and position I am in.”