District 3 Candidate Brandon Lamar Picks Up 10 Endorsements From Pasadena Unified, Pasadena City College Board Members

Pasadena City Council District 3 candidate Brandon Lamar announced he has received sweeping support from the leaders of the two important local public institutions in Pasadena: Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) and Pasadena Community College (PCC). 

Lamar said he has been endorsed by five School Board members: Board President Michelle Richardson Bailey, Board Clerk Jennifer Hall Lee and Board members Tina Fredericks, Patrice Marshall McKenzie and Yarma Velázquez.

The 31-year-old Lamar is running to represent District 3 on the Pasadena City Council, which is currently represented by Justin Jones. Jones was appointed following the death of longtime Councilmember John Kennedy.

Richardson Bailey said she believes Lamar, being a Pasadena native and PUSD graduate, will be responsive in assisting district leaders with meeting the academic and social needs of students. 

“Our young scholars, teachers, and staff need city council members with fresh ideas, and who understand how to be partners in education with our school community,” she added. 

Lamar said he also received endorsements from PCC Board President Kristine Kwong, Vice President Alton Wang, Secretary Steve Gibson and Board members Sandra Chen Lau and Tammy Silver.

“I’m supporting Brandon Lamar for City Council because we need his community-centered and people-first leadership on City Council,” said Wang. “Brandon has a demonstrated record of building coalitions that will strengthen Pasadena and amplify the critical partnerships we need across our region.” 

“Brandon Lamar has worked hard for Pasadena; I’m impressed with his dedication to this community. I have seen the positive change he has brought through his untiring efforts. We need this kind of commitment to address our college and community needs,” said Gibson.

Tammy Silver told Pasadena Now “Brandon is an authentic and down-to-earth person who truly wants to keep the best of Pasadena, and from there, raise and improve our city. Brandon’s life experiences and perspectives will be a marvelous addition to the City Council.”

Lamar said the support of PUSD and PCC board members positions his campaign as the clear favorite of education leaders across Pasadena.

“That means a lot to me. I am a product of Pasadena’s public schools – having attended Edison Elementary, Elliot Middle School, and John Muir High School – and the well-being of our education system is a top priority for me,” said Lamar. 

“At City Hall, I will be the bridge builder Pasadena needs to help our families thrive and make sure PUSD and PCC students have the tools and support they need to succeed,” he added.

Lamar’s platform is centered on ensuring that unheard voices in the community will be heard, addressing the climate crisis and fighting youth homelessness.

Lamar is the founder and president of the Pasadena Young Democrats. He is currently the vice-chair of the Pasadena Rental Housing Board, the Chair of Pasadena Organizing for Progress and a board member of Leadership Pasadena.

The District 3 primary election for Pasadena City Council will be held in 2024.