Los Angeles -- Former State Assemblymember George Nakano announced today that he is endorsing Wendy Greuel for mayor of Los Angeles.
Nakano, who was born and raised in East Los Angeles, remains a popular and respected figure in the Japanese American community. Nakano was elected to represent California’s 53rd Assembly district in 1998.
Nakano's backing adds to Greuel’s recent groundswell of support in the Asian Pacific American community, following on the heels of recent endorsements from Congresswoman Judy Chu and Community College Trustee Mike Eng.
"Wendy has always been a strong partner with the API community, and her door is open to the concerns of every community across Los Angeles,” said Nakano. “Wendy is the kind of strong leader that Los Angeles needs right now – she’s tough, dedicated, and experienced, and she has what it takes to unite the city and make the tough choices we need to get LA back on track and restore the services so many residents depend. I’m proud to endorse her for mayor."
"George Nakano has been a soldier, a teacher, a legislator and a leader for so many people, and above all he has fought throughout his career for his community. He was a powerful voice in the Assembly, working to improve public education, protect our environment and create family wage jobs," said Greuel. "I am eager to work with him to get our economy back on track and reform our school system so every child has access to a great education."
Nakano spent four years in internment camps during World War II. He served as a Torrance City Councilmember for 14 years before being elected to the Assembly, where he was the first Asian-American to serve as Democratic Caucus Chair and the inaugural chair of the Asian Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus.
Greuel is leading in support from public safety groups, labor organizations, and business associations, having earned the support of the Los Angeles Police Protective League, the United Firefighters of Los Angeles City, the Valley Industry and Commerce Association (VICA) PAC, the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce's LA JOBS PAC, and groups representing hundreds of thousands of working men and women.