The Riverside Press-Enterprise
Cervantes to run for sister's old seat
Councilmember eyes Assembly post as her sibling runs for Senate
Riverside City Councilmember Clarissa Cervantes is hoping to replace her sister in the state Assembly.
Cervantes on Wednesday announced her 2024 bid for the 58th Assembly District seat, which her sister Sabrina Cervantes said a day earlier that she would leave behind for a 2024 campaign to join the state Senate.
“I believe that public service is about being a voice for the people,” Clarissa Cer- vantes said in a Wednesday statement. “I have a proven track record of working across Assembly District 58 to empower residents and foster a sense of community belonging.”
Clarissa Cervantes’ announcement sets up a 2024 race against her Riverside City Council colleague and fellow Democrat, Councilmember Ronaldo Fierro. Fierro said in early December that he would seek the 58th District seat, which he understood would be vacated by Sabrina Cervantes.
Tuesday, Sabrina Cervantes said she’d run for the 31st Senate District seat in 2024.
Clarissa Cervantes, citing the fact that she is a mother and lifelong Riverside County resident, said she understands the issues that face the community.
“I am running for State Assembly to fight for our neighbors, and to continue delivering the critical resources that our district deserves,” her statement said.
The 58th District includes parts of Riverside, Corona and Eastvale along with all of Jurupa Valley and Grand Terrace.
A news release from Clarissa Cervantes’ campaign lists endorsements that include her sister, retired Assemblymember Jose Medina, civil rights leader Dolores Huerta, Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, Assembly Majority Leader Eloise Gomez Reyes and a host of local mayors, councilmembers and elected officials.
Clarissa Cervantes, a former legislative field representative to
ex-councilmember Andy Melendrez, won Riverside’s Ward 2 seat in June 2021 and represents Canyon Crest, Eastside, Sycamore Canyon and UC Riverside. She became the second Latina and second openly LGBTQ person elected to the Riverside City Council.
A news release announcing her candidacy states that, as a councilmember, Clarissa Cervantes “has approved millions of dollars in road repairs, piloted a program that delivers fresh fruits and vegetables to residents in need, supported small businesses with microgrants, championed environmental and open space protections, created opportunities for artists to beautify and enrich neighborhoods, and voted to expand access to affordable housing for families, veterans, seniors and all people.”