Dr. Phlunté Riddle announced on Tuesday that the California Legislative Black Caucus endorsed her campaign for Assembly District 41.
“The communities in the 41st Assembly District need your strong voice to represent them in Sacramento,” said California Legislative Black Caucus Chairwoman, Assemblywoman Lori Wilson.
“Our members in the Assembly and Senate and our Constitutional Offices are leaders who have pledged to advance legislation and issues that address the concerns of the African-American community. Far beyond our number, together we provide political influence and visibility throughout the state of California needed to create systemic change for Black Californians. We are hopeful you will join our ranks by representing the 41st Assembly District.”
The California Legislative Black Caucus was founded in 1967 to address the concerns of African Americans and other people of color in the state. Today, there are 12 members in the California Legislative Black Caucus. Additionally, three members serve as Constitutional Officers. The caucus unites in support of legislation that addresses their key objectives, including Economic Security, Educational Equity, Racial and Social Justice.
“I am honored to receive the endorsement of the California Legislative Black Caucus,” Riddle said. “As a Black woman who has broken glass ceilings in a male-dominated field as a police officer, I have advocated for more representation in every field. We need leaders who have lived experience championing equity and inclusion to build bridges and make real, tangible change. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the California Legislative Black Caucus to advance equitable and just policies for all Californians.”
Riddle spent nearly 30 years serving Pasadena and honing her leadership skills at the Pasadena Police Department, moving through the ranks as a patrol officer, detective, and community liaison. She broke barriers when she became the first African American female sergeant, lieutenant, and then sworn Adjutant to the Chief of Police in the history of the Pasadena Police Department.
In 2019, Governor Gavin Newsom appointed her as a Board of Juvenile Discharge Hearings Commissioner with California’s Division of Juvenile Justice, which the California Senate confirmed with a 39-0 vote. She owns a consulting company, where she trains executives helping them to solve generational communications challenges within organizations.
Assembly District 41 is located in eastern Los Angeles County and western San Bernardino County, including the San Gabriel Valley communities of Pasadena, Altadena, La Cañada Flintridge, Sierra Madre, Monrovia, San Dimas, La Verne, and Claremont and Inland Empire communities of Upland, Phelan, Lytle Creek, Rancho Cucamonga, Wrightwood, and Hesperia.
Assemblymember Chris Holden (D) has held this seat since 2012 and is term-limited in 2024. In 2022, he won the district with 60% of the vote.
Riddle has been endorsed by: Pasadena Unified School Board President Michelle Richardson Bailey, Pasadena Unified School Board Member Dr. Yarma Velázquez Vargas, Burbank Unified School Board Member Dr. Armond Aghakhanian, Pasadena City College Trustee Sandra Chen Lau, Pasadena City College Trustee Tammy Silver, Pasadena City College Trustee James Osterling, Pasadena Councilmember Tyron Hampton, Former Pasadena Mayor William Paparian, Former Pasadena Vice Mayor Jacque Robinson, University of La Verne President Deborah Lieberman, Former Pasadena Unified School Board Member Elizabeth Pomeroy, Pasadena City Commissioner Jon Fuhrman*, Pasadena City Commissioner Brandon Lamar*, Former Monrovia Mayor Lara Larramendi, Former Duarte Mayor Lois Gaston, Pasadena Unified School District Principal and Teacher Delano Yarbrough (Ret.), Pasadena Unified School District Counselor Samella Yarbrough (Ret.), Cancer of Biology Professor Dr. Susan Kane (Ret.).
Other endorsements include: SEIU California, National Women’s Political Caucus CA, IAM Local 311, California Association of Psychiatric Technicians, Teamsters Joint Council 42, IUPAT District Council 36, Assemblymember Chris Holden, State Treasurer Fiona Ma, State Controller Malia Cohen, LA County Supervisor Hilda Solis, Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager, Assemblymember Eloise Gomez Reyes, Assemblymember Tina McKinnor, Assemblymember Corey Jackson, Assemblymember Miguel Santiago, Assemblymember Kevin McCarty, Assemblymember Dr. Akilah Weber, Former State Senator Connie Leyva, Former State Senator Carol Liu, Claremont City Councilmember Jennifer Stark, La Verne Mayor Tim Hepburn, La Verne Councilmember Meshal “Kash” Kashifalghita, San Dimas Councilmember Eric Nakano, Sierra Madre Councilmember Kristine Lowe, Sierra Madre Councilmember Gene Goss, Sierra Madre Councilmember Rachelle Arizmendi (Ret.), Citrus College Trustee Cheryl Alexander, LA Community College Trustee Nichelle Henderson, Inglewood Mayor Jim Butts.
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