DeLeon announces run for state Senate

Assemblyman Kevin DeLeon announced Thursday he would seek the SEnate seat currently held by Sen. Gil Cedillo, D-Los Angeles.

“It has been and continues to be an honor to serve the communities of our region as a member of the Assembly,” De León said, “Today, I am announcing my strong desire to continue that work by running for the California State Senate. Now more than ever we need legislators who are dedicated to protecting vital public services, education, and public safety. These are extraordinarily difficult times and I will work tirelessly for the constituents of the 22nd Senate District.”

Cedillo is expected to announce his candidacy for DeLeon’s Assembly seat some time later this month, avoiding a challenge to Assembly Speaker-elect John Perez, D-Los Angeles.

Cedillo represented the Eastside and downtown district now represented by Perez from 1998-2002. He has one more term of Assembly eligibility remaining under the state’s term-limits law.

Cedillo had threatened to challenge Perez in the June Democratic primary. Cedillo even circulated a tracking poll that showed him with a wide lead over Perez.