November 27, 2023
MAYOR CELESTE RODRIGUEZ LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN FOR THE VALLEY’S 43rd ASSEMBLY DISTRICT
SAN FERNANDO MAYOR ENTERS ASSEMBLY RACE TO REPRESENT THE NORTHEAST SAN FERNANDO VALLEY
SAN FERNANDO, CA – Today, San Fernando City Mayor Celeste Rodriguez announced her campaign for the 43rd Assembly District, which includes the city of San Fernando, and the City of Los Angeles neighborhoods of Pacoima, Sylmar, Arleta, Panorama City and Sun Valley. The Assembly seat is open given the announcement from the incumbent, Assemblywoman Luz Rivas, that she will not seek re-election in order to run for the Congressional seat now held by retiring Congressmember Tony Cardenas.
“Our community needs resources and for Sacramento policies to meet families where they are,” said Mayor Celeste Rodriguez. “I am proud to step forward to serve as a voice for the Northeast Valley and am honored and humbled that so many Valley leaders and stakeholders are uniting behind my campaign.”
“I’m proud to support Celeste Rodriguez to represent the Valley in the state Assembly,” said Congressmember Cardenas. “Celeste is a hard-working, experienced leader who has fought tirelessly for the Valley and will continue fighting for us in Sacramento so that we get our fair share of state resources.”
Celeste has dedicated her life to public service. She began her career working in local government helping families access vital public services. Most recently, she worked for the City of Los Angeles where she focused on homelessness policy, community development, and financial empowerment initiatives. Rodriguez led the implementation of the Los Angeles’ Guaranteed Basic Income pilot and children’s savings account program, both the largest programs of their kind in the nation.
“Celeste has a proven record of getting things done for Valley residents, and I know she’ll never stop working to make sure every child has a shot at the American Dream,” said Assemblywoman Luz Rivas.
“I’m thrilled that Celeste Rodriguez is running for Assembly. I have had the pleasure of working with her in various capacities and she would make a great partner in Sacramento to deliver the resources needed in the valley,” said State Senator Caroline Menjivar.
Celeste was first elected to the San Fernando City Council in November 2020 and in December of 2022 she was selected to serve as Mayor. In this capacity, she has ensured residents have a voice in their local government by establishing new public engagement policies, translation services and childcare for community meetings — firsts for the city of San Fernando. In addition, she has worked to ensure economic stability for families and for businesses to have access to capital and technical assistance. Celeste is the daughter of an immigrant and has been inspired by her parents’ dedication to social justice. Centering community voices has guided Celeste’s work.
Rodriguez’s campaign includes a broad coalition of support spanning across Assembly District 43 and the San Fernando Valley.
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