DOWNEY – Downey Mayor Blanca Pacheco on Wednesday formally entered the race to represent the newly-drawn 64th State Assembly District. 

As mayor, Pacheco already represents the largest city in the new 64th, with Downey encompassing 24% of the district. 

She has been endorsed by L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn and La Habra Mayor Jose Medrano. 

"California is at a significant crossroads,” said Pacheco. “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. 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."

The new 64th district replaces the current 58th district, which is represented by Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia, who is vacating the seat in an effort to replace retiring Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard in Congress.

The newly-drawn district encompasses Downey, Bell, Bell Gardens, Norwalk, Santa Fe Springs, La Mirada, La Habra and portions of unincorporated Whittier.

"We need Mayor Blanca Pacheco in the State Assembly,” said Supervisor Hahn. “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."

Pacheco also has early support from La Habra mayor Jose Medrano.

"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,” he said. “Blanca is highly-qualified, well-prepared and profoundly equipped to be a champion for the people of AD-64." 

Pacheco, an attorney by trade, 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 Downey mayor.

She is a 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.

Pacheco is active in serving her community. She is a past president of the Kiwanis Club of Downey, and was recognized by Assemblymember Garcia as 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 attorney, she provided pro bono services through various legal organizations, including the Southeast District Bar Association and the Mexican American Bar Association. She was also instrumental in bringing Teen Court, an alternative program for youth offenders, to Downey. 

As an elected official, she is 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. 

The Pacheco for Assembly campaign website is forthcoming. In the meantime, for campaign updates, residents are invited to follow her on Twitter at @BlancaNPacheco.