LOS ANGELES (February 18, 2023) – Council President Paul Krekorian has released the following statement.
“Since Representative Adam Schiff declared his candidacy for the United States Senate, many friends and colleagues have urged me to run for the open seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. I am honored by the suggestion that I follow my friend Adam in this office to represent a district that has been my home for much of my life and which I have represented as a school board member and as a State Assemblyman. This is the most important congressional district in the country to the Armenian American community, and as a leader in that community, my voice would be especially significant in Washington right now.
“But circumstances have presented me with the responsibility of a lifetime in serving as President of the Los Angeles City Council during a time of extraordinary challenges. Side by side with Mayor Bass, this Council is addressing the ongoing crisis of homelessness with unprecedented focus, vigor and effectiveness. Our bold policymaking on energy and transportation is making Los Angeles a national leader in addressing climate change. We are tackling the challenges of the post-COVID economy, reinvigorating small businesses and creating new opportunities for all Angelenos.
“We are also on the verge of achieving long-overdue transformative reforms in the way City Hall governs. I have proposed an agenda for change that will restore confidence in our city government, including creating a truly independent redistricting process to replace our current broken system. I intend to lead these reforms through to a successful conclusion, and we will be placing a charter amendment on the ballot at the next general election to give the voters the chance to do so.
“Achieving these goals for the City of Los Angeles must take priority, so I will not be running for the House of Representatives in 2024. Representative Schiff has set an extraordinary standard of service to our country and to the 30th District. I wish all candidates the very best as they strive to follow his example.”
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