Leano, Riddle Separated by Just One Vote at Democratic Party Pre-endorsement Conference

The California Democratic Party held its pre-endorsing conference this past weekend. 

Jed Leano won 29 of the 69 delegate votes, or 42%. While Leano claimed victory, he edged out local candidate Phlunte Riddle by just one vote. 

Riddle captured 28 votes, 39% and John Harabedian 10%. Nine percent of the delegates voted “no endorsement.”

Since no candidate received 50% of the vote the results will be listed as no consensus. 

The three candidates are vying to replace Chris Holden who cannot seek the seat in 2024 due to term limits. 

Assembly District 41 encompasses several cities and communities in Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties.

Leano, a Pasadena-based immigration attorney and second-term Claremont City Councilmember and former Claremont Mayor. 

Riddle spent nearly 30 years serving Pasadena and broke barriers as the first African American female sergeant, lieutenant, and sworn Adjutant to the Chief of Police in the history of the Pasadena Police Department.

Harabedian served on the Sierra Madre City Council from 2012 to 2020 and held the position of Mayor twice. Harabedian originally entered the race for state senate before jumping to the assembly race after Felica Williams left the race to seek re-election on the City Council.