Pasadena School Board Member Endorses Dr. Phlunté Riddle for Assembly District 41

Pasadena Unified School District Board Member Patrice Marshall McKenzie has endorsed Dr. Phlunté Riddle in the Assembly District 41 race.

A statement from Dr Riddle’s campaign said McKenzie, who assumed her role on the PUSD Board of Education in 2022, has expressed her support for Riddle and her anticipation that they will be collaborating to enhance the educational resources available to local schools.

In addition to her position on the school board, McKenzie also co-chaired the successful YES campaign for the Measure O school bond in 2020. She has also been actively involved with organizations such as the National Women’s Political Caucus—Greater Pasadena Area and the LA Trust for Children’s Health.

“I am honored to have Pasadena Unified School Board Member Patrice Marshall McKenzie’s endorsement,” Dr. Riddle said in the statement. “Her leadership was essential in securing $516.3 million for our schools through Measure O. She is a passionate advocate for all our kids and I look forward to working with her to ensure that children in our communities have opportunities regardless of their zip code or background.”

Dr. Riddle’s campaign has garnered a range of endorsements, including Planned Parenthood Advocates Pasadena and San Gabriel Valley, SEIU California, National Women’s Political Caucus CA, IAM Local 311, California Association of Psychiatric Technicians, Teamsters Joint Council 42, IUPAT District Council 36, California Legislative Black Caucus, California Democratic Legislative Women’s Caucus, and several prominent political figures, the statement said.

Dr. Riddle served for nearly 30 years with the Pasadena Police Department, where she climbed the ranks, breaking barriers to become the first African American female sergeant, lieutenant, and sworn Adjutant to the Chief of Police. In 2019, she was appointed Commissioner on the Board of Juvenile Hearings by Governor Gavin Newsom.

Dr. Riddle currently operates a consulting company specializing in solving generational communication challenges within organizations.

She has a doctorate in psychology from Phillips Graduate Institute, a M.A. in Organizational Leadership from Woodbury University, and a B.S. in Public Administration from the University of La Verne.

She is also a graduate of California Command College and the FBI National Academy