First published in the Feb. 4 print issue of the Glendale News-Press.
California state Sen. Anthony Portantino announced Monday his campaign for U.S. Congress to succeed U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff in District 30.
Portantino has represented the city of Glendale in the state senate since 2016. His term ends in 2024.
Schiff, a Democrat who has represented Burbank in congress since 2001, announced his candidacy for U.S. senate last week. He is vying for the seat currently held by Sen. Dianne Feinstein.
“While Washington continues to be dysfunctional and our democracy is under daily attack, there is no time for on-the-job training or ineffective leadership,” said Portantino, a Democrat.
“Congressional dysfunction is creating real life-and-death consequences for us at home as our community suffers from gun violence, the impacts of climate change and politicians who want to push our economy to the breaking point. I am not afraid to take on special interests. But I’m also an optimist with a passion to serve and I want to continue working for you in Congress.”
In the Legislature, Portantino has championed increased funding for public education, and authored environmental protection and health care laws. He has also fought the NRA in Sacramento, passing legislation requiring safe gun storage, raising the minimum firearm purchase age to 21, and imposing additional open carry restrictions.
“Congratulations to my friend, Congressman Adam Schiff, on his decision to run for the U.S Senate. Adam is the very definition of a tough act to follow. I admire his tireless commitment to our district, his courage and character for holding the Trump administration accountable and his confident, unflappable leadership during tumultuous times.”
Portantino has been a friend and neighbor of Glendale for decades. Portantino joined with activists to oppose the Oakmont 5 development, helped preserve the Rosemont Preserve and was instrumental in securing $19 million for the Armenian American Museum.
He has also delivered results on additional local issues. When historic preservation activists raised concerns about housing legislation coming from Sacramento not respecting historic homes, Portantino worked to include protections for these landmark properties. When Rockhaven was threatened, he secured $8 million for the city to preserve this important historical place.
He also worked closely with the First District PTA on a series of significant mental health town halls and trainings for the health and welfare of children.
Portantino represents California’s 25th state Senate District, which includes Glendale and many San Fernando Valley communities and adjacent Los Angeles neighborhoods along the 210 Freeway. He was a member of the California Assembly from 2006 to 2012, representing the 44th Assembly District, and has held his position in the state Senate since 2016.
Portantino’s spouse, Ellen Portantino, is an executive at NBC/Universal. The couple has lived in the congressional district since they settled in their first apartment on Los Feliz Boulevard. They raised their children, Bella and Sofia, in the district, and as a family have volunteered for numerous organizations in and around Glendale.
