Assembly campaigns picking up steam

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California Democratic Party Secretary Reginald Jones-Sawyer has announced his candidacy for the newly drawn, open seat in Los Angeles’ 59^th Assembly District.

Director of asset management for the city of Los Angeles, Jones-Sawyer ran in a special primary last year to replace then-Assemblywoman Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles) when she was elected to Congress in an earlier special election. He lost that primary to now-Assemblywoman Holly Mitchell (D-Los Angeles).

It looks as if he could have plenty more competition this time around, as three other Democrats also have taken preliminary steps to run by filing ”statements of intention” with the Secretary of State.

They are Gregory Akili of the Social Security Works Campaign, La Raza organizer Jesus Andrade and Marine Corps veteran and community activist Efren Martinez.

In another recent development in next year’s Assembly races, Los Angeles City Council President Eric Garcetti has endorsed Democratic activist Torie Osborn for the Westside’s new 50^th District, the Osborn campaign announced this week. Assemblywoman Betsy Butler (D-Marina del Rey) is seeking reelection from this district, setting up what is expected to be a lively intraparty battle in the June primary.

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-- Jean Merl