Neighborhood Council Leader Enters CA Senate Race

WESTSIDE - Community activist Nico Ruderman, who was recently elected to a third term on the Venice Neighborhood Council has announced a bid for the California state senate to succeed the term-limited incumbent, Senator Ben Allen of Santa Monica (D-24).  

Ruderman joins the race along with fellow Venetian Mike Newhouse, the Vice-President of the Los Angeles Planning Commission and lawyer. 

Ruderman,  previously ran for the California State Assembly in the 61st Assembly District, where he was defeated in the primary. He also participated in the special election for the 62nd Assembly District, finishing third with 13.21% of the vote.

Ruderman is a union member and small business owner in the entertainment industry. 

He gained local attention  in 2021 leading a grassroots recall effort against former Los Angeles City Councilman Mike Bonin (CD-11) .​

In his 2022 campaigns, Ruderman focused on issues such as homelessness, public safety, housing affordability, and environmental protection. He pledged to refuse donations from the oil industry and called for increased investment in mental health services and public safety measures. 

Ruderman made news last October when he and his son Zach secured the game-winning, walk-off grand slam homer by Los Angeles Dodger Freddie Freeman in Game 1 of the 2024 World Series against the rival New York Yankees. 

(Nick Antonicello is a thirty-two-year resident of Venice and covers LA's Westside. Have a take or a tip? Contact him at [email protected].)