The race for California’s Assembly District 57 is a head-to-head contest between two Democrats, Efren Martinez and Sade Elhawary, in a district that is strongly Democratic.  

Located in Los Angeles County and covering all of downtown L.A. and South Los Angeles Black and immigrant Latino communities, AD57 is a diverse and heavily urban district where 61% of registered voters are Democratic and 23% are No Party Preference (NPPs).

Republicans account for just 8% of registered voters. Yet the candidate who appeals most to NPPs and Republicans is expected to be the one who emerges as the new assemblymember. 

Both Martinez and Elhawary are vying to succeed the outgoing Democratic Asm. Reggie Jones-Sawyer, and the race has become a focal point for discussions on the future direction of the party in the region.

With two Democrats facing each other head-to-head, the competition is centered around which candidate can best represent the district’s more liberal leanings, while also speaking to the 30% of voters who are not Democrats.

Efren Martinez: Securing The Party, and Public Safety, and Endorsements

Martinez, a small business owner with a background in community activism, has centered his campaign on experience and a deep understanding of the people of AD57 and the challenges they face.

“Growing up in South Central Los Angeles, Efren’s family struggled consistently with poverty and homelessness. Efren’s youth was largely spent sleeping on the living room couches of friends and family, and even garages and temporary housing. These experiences had a great impact on Efren,” his campaign website says.

His platform focuses on housing affordability, healthcare access, and education reform. Martinez has garnered endorsements from several Democratic clubs and several prominent elected leaders at the local, state and national level, as well as a number of law enforcement organizations. 

Sade Elhawary: Securing the Progressive Heart of the District

Elhawary is a relative newcomer to the political scene, but she has built a campaign on a platform of bold progressive change. 

With a background in public health and social justice advocacy, Elhawary has positioned herself as the candidate of the future, promising to bring fresh ideas and a new perspective to the Assembly.

“Sade Elhawary is an educator, organizer, and foster parent. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Sade has been involved in politics and activism from the time she was elected Student Body President in elementary school. Sade has dedicated her life to dismantling oppressive systems one by one and being a driving force for justice and liberation,” her campaign website says.

Elhawary’s platform includes ambitious proposals for expanding healthcare, addressing climate change, and overhauling the criminal justice system. She has received endorsements from progressive organizations, labor, environmental groups, activists and others, including L.A. Mayor Karen Bass.

What’s at Stake?

The AD57 race is a critical contest within the Democratic Party, as it will determine the ideological direction of representation in this key Los Angeles district.

The outcome will signal whether voters prefer a more moderate approach to governance, as represented by Martinez, or a push for bold progressive reforms, as advocated by Elhawary.

As the general election approaches, both candidates are expected to intensify their outreach efforts, focusing on mobilizing their base and persuading undecided and NPP voters.

With AD57 being a solidly Democratic district, the winner of this primary contest will likely shape the future legislative agenda for the area.