Former Senator Connie Leyva Endorses Sasha Renée Pérez For California State Senate District 25, Being Vacated by Portantino

Alhambra City Councilwoman Sasha Renée Pérez announced on Monday that she has been endorsed by former state Sen. Connie Leyva in Pérez’s race for California State Senate District 25. 

The former state state Democratic Caucus Chair and former California Labor Federation President believes Councilwoman Pérez’s track record of delivering for working families makes her a trusted advocate for the San Gabriel Valley and Inland Empire in the State Senate.

“Councilmember Sasha Reneé Pérez gets things done. She delivered HERO pay for grocery and pharmacy workers in her city and fought to expand access to college and vocational training for California students. We need Sasha advocating for working families in the State Senate, and that’s why she has my endorsement,” stated Senator Leyva (Ret.)

Senator Leyva served in the California State Senate from 2014-2022 and chaired the Senate Education Committee. While serving in Sacramento, she fiercely advocated for working people and pushed for legislative solutions that created more equitable educational and career opportunities for all Californians. She led the fight for women’s rights, having passed our state’s most consequential legislation addressing sexual harassment, assault, and discrimination.

“I have admired Senator Connie Leyva’s leadership and tenacious advocacy for California workers, women, and students. I am honored to have earned her trust and endorsement and look forward to carrying on the important work she started in our State Capitol,” stated Councilwoman Pérez.

Pérez is running against Pasadena resident John Harabedian for the seat currently held by Anthony Portantino (D-Pasadena). Portantino cannot seek reelection due to term limits. 

She launched her campaign in February 2023 and has earned endorsements from Ironworkers Local 433, Ironworkers Local 416, Laborers Local 300 and several prominent elected officials and residents across the valley.

Councilwoman Pérez is running to represent the 25th Senate District. The open seat includes the communities of Glendale, Pasadena, Alhambra, Altadena, Arcadia, Claremont, Glendora, La Cañada Flintridge, La Crescenta-Montrose, Monrovia, Monterey Park, Rosemead, San Gabriel, San Marino, Sierra Madre, South Pasadena, Temple City, Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Upland, and San Antonio Heights.

In 2020, Councilwoman Pérez was elected to Alhambra City Council and sworn in as Mayor, making her the youngest female Mayor in San Gabriel Valley history and the youngest Latina mayor in California history to lead a city of more than 50,000. 

She helped Alhambra residents and businesses navigate the COVID-19 pandemic — capping third-party food delivery fees and delivering HERO pay to local grocery, pharmacy store, and city workers. 

Pérez was honored as Congressional Woman of the Year by Congresswoman Judy Chu (D-Pasadena) in 2022 and Active SGV’s Outstanding Elected Official in 2021.