Simi Valley Councilwoman Ruth Luevanos has announced her intention to run for Congress and represent California District 25, which includes the Santa Clarita Valley, in the 2022 election.
The 47-year-old Democrat and first Latina to be elected to city council plans to challenge the seat currently held by Congressman Mike Garcia, R-Santa Clarita, as a representative for CA-25.
“As a teacher, a mother, and a daughter of immigrants, I am proud to answer my community’s call and announce my candidacy to represent the people of California’s 25th district,” Luevanos wrote in a social media post Monday.
Luevanos was elected as councilwoman in November 2018 and has since been an outspoken advocate for progressive reforms regarding public education and racial and environmental justice, according to her campaign website.
“I definitely want to address education issues, especially with the pandemic. Education has been through a lot this year. We understand now the pivotal roles public education plays. We need more resources for students and parents and teachers,” Luevanos said.
In addition to education, she also aims to address issues of labor rights and livable wages, as well as immigration.
See Related: Christy Smith Announces 2022 Run For Congress
After earning her Bachelors in Criminal Justice at George Washington University and her Juris Doctor at Loyola Law, she went into the field of education and for the next 20 years worked with teachers and students as a National Board Certified Teacher and a chair for United Teachers of L.A.
She became engaged in local politics, first advocating for immigration protections.
“There was a meeting held in city hall a while ago about the Family Values Act. The city was determining what to side on the issue and I felt compelled to speak on that,” said Luevanos. “I spoke on the issue at city hall and there was just a lot of hatred and dismissiveness and not at all what I expected. I was determined to run then.”
Luevanos’ announcement marks another Democratic challenge to the current Republican holding of CA-25, as former Assemblywoman Christy Smith has also announced she plans on running again after losing to Garcia in 2020.
Luevanos hopes to serve as a voice for the community if elected.
“I can bring a voice for community members who haven’t been heard or represented,” Luevanos said. “I also bring the sense of urgency for the needs of families who have been waiting and still haven’t had their voices heard.”
A primary election is set to be held in June.
To find out more about Councilwoman Luevanos, click here.
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