[UPDATE] Whittier City School Board Member Irella Perez Jumps Into 32nd Senate Race

English: Seal of the Senate of California (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By Brian Hews

Whittier City School Board Member Dr. Irella Perez has decided to run as a candidate for the 32^nd State Senate District during the June, 2014 California Primary Election.

Perez confirmed to Hews Media Group-Community Newspapers on Wednesday afternoon that she has begun her campaign, and that she made up her mind that she would be a candidate “a few weeks ago.”

“I will be a candidate for the State Senate, and I am anxious to get my message out to the community and to the voters,” Perez said in a brief phone interview.

Perez will be joining a growing list of candidates for the coveted Senate position that includes former California State Assembly Members Tony Mendoza and Sally Havice, Downey Mayor Mario Guerra, Cerritos Councilman Joseph Cho, and La Mirada Businessman Noel Jaimes.

Also considering a run for the open seat is Hacienda Heights-La Puente School Board Member Jay Chen, former Assemblyman Rudy Bermudez.

Challenger Kevirez-Allen has dropped out of the campaign.

The 32^nd State Senate District includes most of Southeast Los Angeles County and portions of the San Gabriel Valley. State Senator Ronald Calderon current represents the area, and is termed out due to voter mandated campaign laws.

Former Assemblyman Thomas Calderon announced on Wednesday that he will no longer be a candidate in the race to replace his brother, according to an article in the Sacramento Bee.