Gordo Qualifies For March Election

Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo qualified for the March election on Wednesday. In order to qualify for an election, a mayoral candidate must collect 50 supportive signatures and pay a filing fee of $50.

“Growing up in Pasadena, attending our public schools, and now raising my family here, I deeply understand our city’s pulse. For over 31 years, I’ve dedicated myself to enhancing Pasadena’s safety, preserving its essence, and creating more affordable housing. As we stand at this pivotal moment, collaboration is key. My experience in delivering tangible results aligns with our city’s needs. If given the opportunity, I pledge to put Pasadena residents first, prioritize safety, invest in education, address housing challenges, homelessness, and desperately needed mental health and homeless services. I’m humbly asking for your vote to continue our journey toward a stronger, more unified Pasadena.”

Throughout his time as Mayor, Gordo has focused on fostering an improved quality of life and promoting safe, family-friendly environments throughout the City. As Mayor, together with the City Council, he has guided Pasadena through the COVID-19 pandemic and recovery during a challenging time of social inequity, mass retirements and the search for a new City Manager.

Gordo was elected to serve as the District 5 City Councilmember shortly after the City redrew district lines to guarantee more LatinX participation to comply with the Voting Rights Act.

He first served as then-Vice Mayor Bill Crowfoot’s field rep.

After Crowfoot stepped down, Gordo won the seat and served District 5 for almost 19 years focusing on quality of life issues, including opposing overdevelopment, fighting crime, championing a living wage, increasing government transparency, getting rid of problem liquor stores and replacing them with affordable housing, and “taking back” City parks.

In 2020, Gordo was sworn in as mayor by Crowfoot, who is now a superior court judge.

All seven sitting City Council members have endorsed Gordo for reelection. Former Northwest Commissioner Allen Shay pulled papers to oppose Gordo, but has not yet qualified for the election.  

Born in Mexico, Gordo immigrated to the United States with his parents as a young child. The oldest of six children, he grew up in Pasadena, attending Pasadena public schools.

Gordo was the longest-serving president of the Rose Bowl Operating Company, leading it through a major renovation.

Gordo and his wife Kelly, an elementary school teacher in the El Monte Unified School District, have two children, Michael and Emma.

Gordo formally announced in May that he would be seeking a second term.

“In a short amount of time, we have accomplished so much together to improve Pasadena. From navigating the COVID-19 crisis and recovery to addressing the need for more affordable housing, I have worked in collaboration with city officials, community leaders, working families and local businesses to put Pasadena on the pathway towards a brighter future,” Gordo said in May. “That said, there is nonetheless still work to be done and I am just optimistic and excited about the opportunities that await our beloved city. It would be an honor to continue to serve the people of Pasadena – and as Mayor – in the City that I love.”