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WESTSIDE - In the race to succeed outgoing Senator Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica) in the California legislature, South Bay challenger Eric Alegria and Venice attorney Mike Newhouse rolled out a series of endorsements and fundraising updates.
Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School Board Member and former Rancho Palos Verdes Mayor Eric Alegria has earned the endorsement of Former Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District President and Board Member Dora De La Rosa in the race for California State Senate District 24.
"Eric Alegria understands that every student deserves the same starting line for success, regardless of their zip code or background. His commitment to school safety, mental health support, and ensuring adequate resources for teachers shows he knows how to remove the barriers that prevent students from reaching their potential," said De La Rosa.
De La Rosa served on the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District Board from November 2003 to November 2011, during which time she held roles as both Board Member and President. In recognition of her leadership and contributions to the community, she received the Women of Distinction Award in 2013, presented by Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi of the 66th District.
Alegria also earned endorsements from IBEW Local 40, the Los Angeles Association of Deputy District Attorneys, former State Treasurer John Chiang (Ret.), Assembly Speaker Emeritus Anthony Rendon, former Assemblymember Mike Gatto (Ret.), El Camino College Trustee and former Torrance City Councilmember Cliff Numark, and Los Angeles Democratic Party Vice-Chair Jacob Haik.
In a clear sign of sustained momentum in a crowded, competitive field to succeed the term-limited Allen, the latest campaign finance reports for the most recent fundraising period ending in 2025 confirm that Mike Newhouse raised the second highest total among all candidates in the race continuing the position he held for the prior period ending June 30th.
With a total of over $419,000 raised, the Newhouse campaign’s strong showing underscores the growing grassroots momentum behind his "commonsense approach" to affordability, housing, and public safety, putting his campaign ahead of nearly the entire field—including candidates who began the race with a significant political and financial advantage.
“Our campaign continues to be powered by everyday people who believe California can do better when leaders focus on commonsense solutions,” said Newhouse. “I’m grateful for the confidence that various community members, local business owners, public safety advocates, environmental leaders, and everyday citizens are placing in this campaign as we work to build a safer, more affordable future.”
Newhouse’s fundraising momentum has been matched by a growing coalition of support from leaders and organizations across Senate District 24.
His campaign is backed by Assembly Speaker Pro Tempore Josh Lowenthal, Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur, the Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC), the LA Airport Police Officers Association, Gardena Police Officers Association, IBEW Local 47, Calabasas City Councilmember Edward Albrecht, Redondo Beach City Councilmembers Scott Behrendt and Zein Obagi Jr., as well as Democrats for Israel–LA and dozens of additional civic and community leaders throughout the district.
The race here in SD-24 will be one of the most expensive and most watched in all of California in 2026.
The 24th State Senate District includes the cities of Agoura Hills, Beverly Hills, Calabasas, El Segundo, Gardena, Hermosa Beach, Hidden Hills, Lomita, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Redondo Beach, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Santa Monica, Torrance, West Hollywood, and Westlake Village; the Los Angeles neighborhoods of Bel Air, Beverly Grove, Brentwood, Fairfax, Holmby Hills, Hollywood, Hollywood Hills, Little Holmby, Mid City West, Pacific Palisades, Playa del Rey, Sunset Hills, Venice, Westwood, and Westwood Village; and the unincorporated Los Angeles County communities of the Santa Monica Mountains and Marina Del Rey.
(Nick Antonicello is a thirty-three-year resident of Venice and is covering this critical June primary. Have a take or a tip? E-mail Antonicello at [email protected].)
