Assemblywoman Heavily Favored in Special Election

By City News Service

Assemblywoman Holly Mitchell is the heavy favorite over fellow Democrat Mervin Evans in a special election today in the 26th Senate District.

The special election in the district including Culver City, South Los Angeles, Century City, Hancock Park and Ladera Heights was triggered by Curren Price's election to the City Council.

Mitchell, D-Los Angeles, said she wants to work for affordable health care and safe environments for children. She also said she wants to find more revenue for the state to lessen the tax burden on residents, particularly low- income families. She was elected to the Assembly in November 2010.

Evans, an author and management consultant, is calling for changes in the state's education system to hold individual schools more accountable for student achievement, while reducing the emphasis on standardized testing. He is also an advocate of affordable housing and health care.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.