Councilman Jose Huizar gathered with supporters at Salesian High School in Boyle Heights. (Hibah Samad)
In one of the surprises of tonight, incumbent Jose Huizar currently holds a 65 percent of the vote in District 14, with 53 percent of precincts reporting. The race for District 14, which covers parts of Eagle Rock, Chinatown, Skid Row and Boyle Heights, was widely expected to be the closest City Council race.
Challenger Rudy Martinez currently has 35 percent of the vote.
This has been one of the nastiest campaigns in recent memory. Accusations by both candidates have gotten more attention than their actual campaign platforms.
Martinez supporters talk about the campaign and Martinez's mother answers the question, "Did you ever think your son would end up in politics?" (Video by Meagan Medick)
Martinez claimed that FBI agents interviewed him multiple times about his various dealings with Huizar. Huizar, in turn, brought up Martinez’s youth criminal record—which includes convictions for loitering, reckless driving and two misdemeanor counts of battery. There was also an accusation that Martinez was in possession of a deceased LAPD officer’s badge, which is a felony in California.
Supporters at both parties wanted to focus on the issues, not the allegations.
At Marty’s Bar and Grill, where Martinez held his election party, supporters emphasized Martinez’s plan to clean-up District 14 by reducing crime and drugs.
Huizar supporters and Councilman Huizar talk about the campaign. (Video by Hibah Samad)
“He is frustrated with the way things [in City Council] are going right now,” said Jerry Sullivan, a close friend of Martinez. “He is frustrated with everything from not knowing where our money is going to the frustration you face trying to open a business.”
Zeresita Red began volunteering for the Martinez campaign when he promised to bring jobs to the area.
“He is a hard-working small business owner…I’m jobless but I know I boost myself volunteering because I can make a difference. He [Rudy Martinez] made me believe that.”
Meanwhile, at Bishop Mora Salesian School, where Huizar was holding his party, supporters focused on Huizar’s role in bringing growth to the area.
Marina Amarino, a member of Huizar’s reelection council said, “He’s been a great leader. We are really fortunate to have him. We have received large amounts of funding that have improved our life.”
Various supporters we spoke to applaud his work in bringing new facilities to the district. Huizar is credited with bringing two high schools and a fire station to District 14.
