Local Election Results

The 2024 Long Beach elections saw residents making crucial decisions on local measures and choosing their representatives at various levels of government. This article provides a breakdown of the election results, explaining the measures and detailing the elected officials representing Long Beach.

Measures – Wave of Approvals

Long Beach voters were willing to invest in their city by approving several tax and bond measures to tackle critical issues such as homelessness, affordable housing and infrastructure improvements.

Measure A: Homeless Services and Affordable Housing

Measure A proposed a half-cent sales tax increase in Los Angeles County to fund homeless services and affordable housing. The measure passed with 56% of voters approving the initiative.

Supporters argued the measure was vital to address the county’s homelessness crisis, which the lack of affordable housing has deepened. They highlighted the measure’s potential to generate over $1 billion annually, with 60% allocated to homelessness services and 40% dedicated to funding affordable housing projects and homelessness prevention programs. Despite concerns regarding the effectiveness of previous spending on homelessness, given that the 2017 Measure H was a quarter-cent tax, voters ultimately supported this initiative.

Measure LB: Repeal of Tax
Exemption for Power Plants

Measure LB aimed to repeal a tax exemption for two local power plants, generating an estimated $15 million in annual revenue for the city budget. The measure received overwhelming approval, with 80% of voters in favor. This move addresses the city’s anticipated budget shortfalls, projected to begin in 2025. While Measure LB itself does not raise taxes, it could impact utility bills for some Long Beach residents. The precise impact on electric bills remains to be determined, with estimates ranging from a $4 monthly increase to a much smaller 50-cent monthly increase. The California Public Utilities Commission will determine how the cost increase will be distributed among SoCal Edison customers.

Measure JB: Overhaul of the City’s Hiring System

Measure JB passed with 61% of the vote and proposed changes to the city’s hiring process for classified workers to improve hiring efficiency. Currently, the Civil Service Department manages the hiring process for classified workers. Measure JB seeks to merge hiring responsibilities with the Human Resources Department, potentially streamlining the process. However, opponents raised concerns regarding potential crony appointments by the Human Resources Department and “destroys independence” within the Civil Services Department.

Measure AC: Bond Measure for City College Renovations

Measure AC, authorizing $990 million in bonds for renovations at Long Beach City College, received strong support, with 67% of voters approving the measure. This funding aims to address critical infrastructure needs at the college, including improvements to drinking water and sewer systems, construction of low-cost student housing, expansion of classroom space and upgrades for disability access. The bond debt could reach $1.86 billion, requiring a property tax increase of $25 per year for every $100,000 of assessed value. While the measure excludes funding for administrator or teacher salaries, it is expected to enable the college to access additional funding from Proposition 2, a statewide bond measure for community college infrastructure projects.

Measure HC: Reduction of
Commissioner Terms

Measure HC, proposing a reduction in the length of terms for members of the Board of Harbor Commissioners and Public Utilities Commission, passed with 57% of the vote. The measure also includes provisions to transfer authority over Harbor Department employment and personnel matters from the Board of Harbor Commissioners to the department’s Chief Executive Officer.

Additionally, the measure aims to increase penalties for violating Harbor Department rules from $500 to $1,000 and to adjust the budget approval date for the Harbor Department’s annual budget.

Long Beach City Council:
District 4 Race

Incumbent Daryl Supernaw secured his third and final term on the Long Beach City Council by defeating Herlinda Chico with 59% of the vote. Supernaw, a former business consultant, ran on a platform highlighting his efficient office oversight and commitment to the public’s concerns. Supernaw also garnered support from organizations like the Long Beach Police Officers Association, Long Beach Firefighters Association and the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce.

Herlinda Chico, a Long Beach City College Trustee, focused her campaign on addressing quality of life issues, including rising crime rates and homelessness. She positioned herself as a cooperative leader competent in bringing together local and federal resources to tackle these challenges. Despite her strong community ties and connections with prominent politicians like Rep. Robert Garcia and former California Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, Chico fell short in her second attempt to unseat Supernaw.

House of Representatives:
Incumbents Retain Seats

Democratic incumbent Robert Garcia secured his seat in the race for the 42nd Congressional District, defeating Republican challenger John Briscoe with 65% of the vote. This win marks Garcia’s second term in Congress, having previously served as the mayor of Long Beach. The 42nd Congressional District, encompassing Long Beach and surrounding Los Angeles County communities, leans Democratic, solidifying Garcia’s strong position in the race.

Democratic incumbent Nanette Diaz Barragán secured a comfortable victory in the 44th Congressional District, defeating Republican challenger Roger Groh with 69% of the vote. Barragán, the daughter of Mexican immigrants, has strongly advocated immigration reform and environmental protection. Her win marks her fifth term in Congress, having previously served since 2017.

California State Legislature:
Incumbents Prevail

Incumbent Lena Gonzalez, a Democrat, won reelection in the 33rd State Senate District, defeating Republican Mario Paz with 68% of the vote. Gonzalez has represented the district since 2019.

Incumbent Josh Lowenthal, a Democrat, won reelection in the 69th State Assembly District, defeating Republican Joshua Rodriguez with 67% of the vote. Lowenthal has assumed office since 2022.

For any inquiries or further information, please contact Jose Cervantes at JoseC.Press@pm.me