Congresswomen Hahn, Bass Endorse Mike Bonin

Less than 24 hours after Mike Bonin announced he would run to replace CD 11 Councilmember Bill Rosendahl on the Los Angeles City Council, two U.S. Congresswomen have thrown their support behind him.

Both Janice Hahn and Karen Bass have chosen to endorse the Mar Vista resident who currently serves as Rosendahl’s chief of staff.

Bonin is also Rosendahl’s personal pick to replace him in order to focus on fighting his battle against cancer.

Bass, a former State assembly speaker who represents parts of West Los Angeles, said Bonin’s track record as a chief council deputy and community organizer has prepared him to be the Westside’s councilmember.

"I enthusiastically endorse Mike Bonin to succeed Bill Rosendahl on the Los Angeles City Council,” Bass said in an official statement. “Mike is thoughtful, creative and he knows how to get things done. That’s the kind of leadership we need in a time of tight budgets and tough choices.  Mike Bonin is a principled and pragmatic progressive who will stand up for what is right and move Los Angeles forward.”

Hahn, who served on the City Council prior to her election to Congress last year, said in a statement Bonin would be a forceful advocate for Westside neighborhoods.

"I have watched Mike Bonin fight for the Westside for nearly two decades, with Jane Harman, with Ruth Galanter, and with my dear friend Bill Rosendahl,” she said.  “I have seen him wage and win fights for good jobs, for the environment and for critical city services. Mike Bonin knows this district, understands its needs and knows how to deliver for it. Like Bill Rosendahl, Mike Bonin has a heart for public service, a passion for his district, and a love for Los Angeles. I think he'll make a great Councilmember."

Bonin issued an official response to the endorsements, stating, “Karen Bass and Janice Hahn are political all-stars. It has been an honor to work with them and watch them translate their values into projects and policies that create jobs, improve communities, and enrich people’s lives.  It would be a privilege to be their partner at the local level.”

Bonin has also received endorsements from L.A. City Council President Herb Wesson; UNITE HERE Local 11, which represents hotel workers, and Campaign Co-Chairs Sheila J. Kuehl and Steve Soboroff.

Click here to read Bonin’s complete biography