Congressman George Miller Endorses Tony Thurmond

April 30, 2008 6:26 PM

April 30, 2008 - Congressman George Miller (CA-07) has endorsed Richmond City Councilmember Tony Thurmond in his race for Assembly, District 14.

Miller enthusiastically backed Thurmond in the race, saying "Tony Thurmond is standing up for working families by improving public education and bringing good jobs to our community."

"I can see from his work on the City Council and in the community that Tony will bring a fresh new voice to the Assembly, and be a real champion for our youth and families," he added.

Miller represents Contra Costa and Solano Counties in Congress, where he has served since 1975. His district encompasses the city of Richmond.  

Thurmond spoke of his admiration for Miller and his work in the U.S. House of Representatives.

"I'm so deeply honored to receive the support of Congressman Miller. He has been a real inspiration to me personally, and to our community, for many years," said Thurmond. "I know that Congressman Miller is fighting for us on the federal level, and I want to make sure he has all the support possible on the state and local level. I look forward to working with him and all our representatives to serve the people of the 14th District."

Thurmond has recently picked up a slew of important endorsements, including those of Assemblymember Sandre Swanson, the Legislative Black Caucus and local labor organizations. He is quickly emerging as one of the front-runners in a crowded field of mostly Berkeley candidates.

Thurmond currently serves on the Richmond City Council and is the Executive Director of a local non-profit called Beyond Emancipation. Others in the race include Berkeley City Councilmember Kriss Worthington, former Berkeley City Councilmember Nancy Skinner and Phil Polakoff. Berkeley resident Loni Hancock, who will be termed out later this year, currently holds the 14th Assembly District seat.

The Democratic primary election will be held on June 3. According to the Secretary of State's website, no Republican has filed for the seat. That means the winner of the June 3 primary will be the presumptive winner in the November 4 general election in the heavily Democratic district.

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