Long Beach, CA — Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia announced his endorsement of Vice Mayor Rex Richardson in the race to succeed him as Long Beach’s next Mayor.

“I’m proud to join Planned Parenthood, our Firefighters and Nurses, and the Democratic Party in endorsing Vice Mayor Rex Richardson for Mayor,” stated Mayor Garcia. “For the last eight years, Rex has been a partner and a collaborative leader who gets results. He’s ready on day one to take on our biggest challenges: homelessness, public safety, and protecting the civil rights of all people. He’s going to be a Mayor for all of Long Beach.”

Mayor Garcia has served the City of Long Beach as its Mayor since 2014 and was re-elected in 2018. He took a leadership role in putting Long Beach at the forefront of economic development, sustainability, and investing in technology. Garcia was recognized nationally for spearheading Long Beach’s efforts to tackle COVID-19 and increase access to mobile testing and vaccinations.

Senator Padilla Applauds Vice Mayor Richardson’s Work to Deliver Real Results for Long Beach Residents; Says He Will ‘Stand Up for Our Values’

Long Beach, CA —Today, United States Senator Alex Padilla announced his endorsement of Vice Mayor Rex Richardson in the race for Long Beach Mayor.

“I'm proud to endorse Vice Mayor Rex Richardson for Mayor of Long Beach. Rex has consistently delivered for Long Beach working families,” said Senator Padilla. “As Mayor, he will continue working to solve homelessness, fight for cleaner air and open spaces, and restore public safety services. I know that Rex will stand up for our values, and I look forward to partnering with him to ensure that Long Beach remains a city in which all can thrive.”

Senator Padilla was appointed to the U.S. Senate in 2021 and served as California’s Secretary of State before his appointment. He’s fighting in the Senate to defend democracy and the right to vote, protect our environment, increase access to health care, and uplift working families.

Via Press Telegram: "There is nothing more valuable in US citizenship than the vote.  I have spent over 40 years studying how precious and hard won the vote was for women.  These days, we see on the evening news that the vote is so powerful, political people want to control its access and calculation.  It may just look like an X in a circle or a punched hole in a card when, in fact, it is our currency for full participation and I am really, really miserly with mine.  

The Mayoral race in Long Beach is a tight one.  It will define the face of our city, the agenda for the council, and dozens of relationships; from the port to DC, the police to the unions, the chamber of commerce to the prioritization of human services.  Lots of people will address those topics over the coming weeks.  My #1 concern today and, most days, is women (amongst others)."

Long Beach Vice Mayor Rex Richardson enters the run-off election in a strong position with 43.5% of the vote and a first-place finish in a multi-candidate field. With more Democratic Party and progressive organization endorsements as well as broad city and regional support from elected leaders, Vice Mayor Richardson built the coalition needed to mount a successful bid to be Long Beach’s next Mayor. He is well-positioned to continue his momentum to victory in November.

Long Beach, CA —The Planned Parenthood Advocacy Project Los Angeles County Action Fund (PPAP) has announced their endorsement of Vice Mayor Rex Richardson in the race for Long Beach’s next Mayor.

“Now more than ever, we need Mayors who are committed to protecting abortion access and reproductive health rights, and Long Beach Vice Mayor Rex Richardson is that proven leader,” said Celinda M. Vázquez, Executive Director, Planned Parenthood Advocacy Project Los Angeles County (PPAP). “His commitment to expanding access to safe and legal abortion will help protect and expand reproductive freedom in Long Beach and across California.”

Planned Parenthood Advocacy Project Los Angeles County Action Fund (PPAP) engages in legislative and electoral advocacy to improve the quality and affordability of reproductive and sexual health care and ensure continued access to safe, legal, and confidential abortion care.

California Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon has endorsed Vice Mayor Rex Richardson for re-election to the Long Beach City Council. 

With his endorsement, Speaker Rendon stated, “Rex has been an effective advocate for North Long Beach and a great local partner in revitalizing the lower part of the Los Angeles River. I look forward to continuing our collaboration on improving our local environment and creating new parks and open spaces in Long Beach."

Long Beach Vice Mayor Rex Richardson has raised $70,030.62 for his re-election campaign to represent the 9th district on the Long Beach City Council.

Since announcing his re-election on May 19th, supporters have rallied around Richardson to ensure he has the financial support needed for the upcoming campaign.

“I’m grateful to my family, friends, neighbors, and supporters for contributing and being a part of my re-election campaign. We’re off to a record-breaking start and I want to thank everyone for helping provide the resources we need to run a successful campaign,” said Vice Mayor Richardson. “Because of your hard work, we will continue our fight to ensure that every neighborhood in Long Beach is treated fairly, and make our city work smarter, be more inclusive, and responsive to the needs of residents.”

Richardson received contributions from 286 supporters with an average contribution of $244.86. His total fundraising amount is the most raised in the first reporting period in city council history.

Vice Mayor to Continue Building on Track Record of Change in North Long Beach

Rex Richardson announced that he will be seeking a second term to represent North Long Beach on the City Council. In his announcement video, Richardson expressed his excitement about the changes in the community that have been accomplished through working together.

These accomplishments include spearheading the effort to restore Paramedic Rescue 12 and protect vital public safety services and leading the construction and opening of the state-of-the-art Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library. He advocated for Measure A, the largest infrastructure program in a generation, and secured millions to improve the Houghton Park Community Center.

Under Richardson’s leadership, North Long Beach has safer streets for bicyclists and pedestrians, more jobs and small businesses opened, and stronger civic engagement.