Mayor from Largest City in Newly Drawn AD-64 Announces Campaign With High-Profile Endorsements from L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn and La Habra Mayor Jose Medrano
Staff
Downey Mayor Blanca Pacheco formally entered the race to represent California’s newly drawn 64th State Assembly District.
The Mayor kicked off her campaign with a major boost of momentum, unveiling a duo of powerful endorsements from Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn and La Habra Mayor Jose Medrano.
Notably, as Mayor, Blanca Pacheco represents the largest city in the new AD-64, comprising nearly 24% of the district. Mayor Medrano from La Habra represents the third largest city in the newly drawn district.
Upon jumping into the race for the new AD-64, Downey Mayor Blanca Pacheco released the following statement:
“California is at a significant crossroads. After two years of this pandemic, it’s clear that we need leaders in the state legislature who have a deep understanding of the many challenges that people across the newly drawn 64th district grapple with on a daily basis“, wrote Pacheco.
“While our state has navigated this reality better than others, the fact remains that we can and we must do more“.
“I’m running for the State Assembly to be a voice, an advocate on behalf of, and a fighter for, the people of the 64th Assembly District”.
“In Sacramento, I’ll stand up for working people, create more good paying middle class jobs, invest more in public schools to ensure our students receive a world class education, expand affordable housing, urgently address the climate crisis and ensure affordable and accessible healthcare for every Californian“.
“I am hopeful and optimistic about California’s future, and I know that together, we can build a stronger, fairer and more just state for all people across the 64th Assembly District.”
In making public their endorsements of Mayor Pacheco for State Assembly, L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn and La Habra Mayor Jose Medrano released the following statements:
“We need Mayor Blanca Pacheco in the State Assembly. When it comes to fighting for the people she represents, Blanca brings heart, courage, and most importantly, unyielding, undeterred determination.
“I know Blanca will be an effective leader on behalf of the new 64th State Assembly District. I am proud to endorse Blanca Pacheco for State Assembly“, L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn said.
“Mayor Blanca Pacheco is the best choice for State Assembly District 64. I am thrilled to endorse Blanca because I know she will be a fighter for every community, every neighborhood and all people across this new district. Blanca is highly-qualified, well-prepared and profoundly equipped to be a champion for the people of AD-64“, wrote La Habra Mayor Jose Medrano.
Background
Blanca Pacheco is the Mayor of Downey and local attorney. She was elected to the Downey City Council in 2016, becoming the first Latina to serve on the council. In 2019, she became the first Latina to serve as the Mayor in Downey. She is a proud graduate of Downey High School.
Pacheco graduated from UCLA in 1996, with a Bachelor’s in Political Science and a Specialization in Chicano/a Studies. She went on to graduate from Loyola Law School and passed the California State Bar Exam in 2003.
Blanca has always had a passion for serving her community. In 2012, she joined the Kiwanis Club of Downey, an international organization committed to helping the children of the world. She became the President of her Kiwanis Club in 2014, earning the distinguished President recognition.
As an attorney, she provided pro bono services through various legal organizations, such as Southeast District Bar Association (SEDBA) and the Mexican American Bar Association (MABA). In 2013, she became involved in Teen Court, an alternative program for youth offenders, and was instrumental in bringing Teen Court to Downey.
Due to her commitment to the community, Blanca was recognized with Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia’s Downey’s Woman of the Year in 2016. In 2019, she was inducted into Downey High School’s Hall of Fame, as an “Exemplary Civic Leader.”
As an elected official, Blanca continues to serve her community. She is the immediate past President of the League of California Cities Los Angeles Division, becoming the first elected official from Downey to serve in this capacity.
She also serves on the League of California Cities’ State Board as an at-large director. As demonstrated, Blanca continues to work hard to be a voice for residents.
The Pacheco for Assembly campaign website is forthcoming. In the meantime, for campaign updates please follow Mayor Blanca Pacheco on Twitter at @BlancaNPacheco.
