Ortega Takes Assembly 20, DA Race Close, Chan Leads EBMUD Pack
Liz Ortega is moving from heading organized labor in Alameda County to representing the southern half of it in the State Assembly’s District 20.
As of Monday, at 5 p.m., Ortega received 33,210 or 59.19 % of the vote while her opponent, Dublin councilmember Shawn Kumagai gathered 22,901 votes or 40.81 %. While all precincts have reported in and mail-in ballots continue to be counted, Kumagai conceded last week, and Ortega has claimed victory.
"I am extremely humbled and grateful to lead Assembly 20 and the people in it," Ortega told The Forum. "I said I would hit the ground running and I am currently on my way to Sacramento."
A San Leandro resident, Ortega became the first Latina to head the Alameda County Central Labor Council after decades of working for labor unions. She had previously spent five years as a Sacramento lobbyist for the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, a bit public-employee union.
"I heard a lot of hope and need on the campaign trail," Ortega said. "Every day I would run into someone who had different stories looking to protect their civil rights. I heard from women and families that had a lot of heart-wrenching stories of coming out of the pandemic but were hopeful when they heard my story. I'm a working mother in the East Bay. I think people also found me relatable because I have a history of getting things done."
Ortega will replace long-time incumbent Bill Quirk, who decided not to run for re-election. Assembly 20's district lines were just redrawn following the 2020 Census. It now includes Castro Valley, San Leandro, Ashland, Cherryland, San Lorenzo, Fairview, Hayward, Sunol, and Union City.
She says her top priority in Sacramento will be an equitable and affordable recovery from the pandemic.
She also supports affordable housing for all, including working people.
Wiley Narrowly Leads in County DA Race
Alameda County voters are currently favoring Terry Wiley to be their next District Attorney, but the race has tightened up over the last week.
As of Monday, at 5 p.m., Wiley had 115,052 votes or 50.42%. His opponent, Pamela Price generated 113,138 votes or 49.58%. That is a stark difference from election night when Price trailed Wiley by 5,043 votes or 3.36%. Now the differential between the two is 0.84% or 1,914 votes.
Wiley is currently the Chief Assistant District Attorney. Price is a civil rights attorney. The DA's seat became available after current District Attorney Nancy O’Malley decided not to seek re-election. She served three terms since 2010.
The DA’s Office prosecutes criminal and specific civil cases on behalf of Alameda County residents. The Office is staffed by approximately 150 attorneys and operates in nine offices around the county.
The election is notable in that the two candidates are both African American, running to head an office that has sometimes been criticized by civil rights and community groups seeking a fairer criminal justice system.
Chan Leads EBMUD Pack
If election returns continue their trend, April Chan will be the first Asian-American woman to serve on the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) Board of Directors, representing Ward 7.
Ward 7 includes Castro Valley, portions of San Leandro and Hayward, the communities of Cherryland and Fairview in Alameda County, and portions of western San Ramon in Contra Costa County.
As of Monday, at 5 p.m., April Chan received a total of 8,861 votes (7,147 from Alameda County and 1,714 from San Ramon residents in Contra Costa County). Matt Turner gathered 7,483 votes (6,333 and 1,150), while San Leandro Councilmember Corina Lopez received 7,354 votes (6,348 and 1,006). While all precincts have reported votes gathered, mail-in ballots continue to be counted.
In a statement this week, Chan expressed her gratitude to the voters.
"This recent election was different and difficult in so many ways," Chan said. "And yet, so many people were incredibly supportive and helpful. The outpouring of support and help from you was both humbling and gratifying. You were businesspeople, laborers, and just plain folks. Every one of you made a difference."
EBMUD Ward 7 had an open seat because the current Director Frank Mellon announced he would not seek reelection.
Should Chan be certified, she could be asked to make tough choices about water service in the East Bay. The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) said it expects yet another dry year between now and September 2023.