Gin Backs Butler Opponent for AD50

Redondo Beach Mayor Mike Gin and 66th Assembly District candidate Nathan Mintz have endorsed Brad Torgan, the lone Republican in the race for California's , Torgan announced this week.

Both are constituents of Assemblywoman , who is also in the running for the 50th Assembly District seat. 

After the California Citizens Redistricting Commission redrew the Assembly lines, Butler moved out of the South Bay district where she was elected two years ago to run in the 50th District, which includes Malibu, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Hollywood, Santa Monica and Agoura Hills.

The South Bay is now included in the 66th Assembly District.

Also running in the AD50 race are political veteran  and Santa Monica Mayor .

Butler, Osborn and Bloom are all Democrats. The top two vote-getters at the June 5 primary, regardless of party affiliation, will face off in the November general election.

"The residents of the South Bay know Betsy Butler the best, and I am proud to have the support of leaders in the community like Mayor Gin and Nathan Mintz," Torgan said in a statement.

In a statement, Gin noted Torgan's experience as a small business owner and commissioner in the city of West Hollywood.

"Brad Torgan will bring a thoughtful and balanced perspective and a rich set of experiences back to Sacramento that truly represents the interests of local residents, small businesses, cities and communities throughout his district," Gin said.

Mintz calls Torgan a "common sense community leader who understands how to remove roadblocks to job creation." The current GOP Assembly candidate has praised Torgan's experience as a land use attorney.

"[It] gives him unique skills and experience that makes him the only candidate prepared on day one to create pathways to bringing high-paying, new economy jobs into the district," Mintz said in a statement.

Torgan launched his campaign website last week, where voters can learn more about the candidate and his vision for California.