Jess Herrera
OXNARD – Jess Herrera, candidate for Congress in the 26th District, received the endorsement of former California Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante, the highest elected Hispanic official to ever serve the State of California, the Herrera campaign announced in a media release on Jan. 22.
“Californians today need jobs and small businesses are seeking meaningful solutions, not simply promises from Washington which is why I am supporting Jess Herrera,” Bustamante said. “Over the years, I have supported Jess on initiatives that have successfully fueled new economic opportunities and job creation through the Port of Hueneme, a vital $200-million engine.”
Herrera, an Oxnard resident, is immediate past-president of the Port of Hueneme who has served on the Harbor Commission for 17 years. A Vietnam-era veteran, Herrera is a second-generation longshoreman whose career has centered on business development and trade.
“I am honored to receive the support of my good friend Cruz Bustamante, an individual who has served the people of California with distinction,” Herrera said. “I look forward to working with Cruz and other leaders to address the greatest needs facing us, the most pressing involving the economy.”
Bustamante was first elected to State Assemblymember in 1993 and rose to Speaker of the Assembly before becoming Lt. Governor. In 2003, he received 2.7 million votes and placed second to Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger in the race for California Governor.
“Jess Herrera is the right person at this historic time of a newly-created Congressional District,” Bustamante said. “The region needs a fresh, unifying voice with a clear vision and the proven ability to rally a broad cross-section of people who can make it happen by working together.”
The 26th Congressional District stretches from Ojai to Westlake Village. During his 27 years in leadership, Jess Herrera has earned the endorsement of a broad cross-section of individuals and organizations including District Attorney Greg Totten, Sheriff Geoff Dean, California Seniors President Hank Lacayo, Tri-County Labor Council, Service Employees International Union, Oxnard Peace Officers Association and Oxnard Firefighters.