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 [ NEIGHBORHOOD ](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=327)

#  Senate Race Tight; Clinton Weighs In, Endorsements Roll Out

Written by Nick Antonicello on February 23 2026.

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WESTSIDE - The race in the highly competitive 24th legislative senate district remains so as internal polling released by candidate Mike Newhouse indicates 40% of the electorate undecided.

Newhouse, the former LA Planning Commission member and past Venice Neighborhood Council President released internal data indicating a highly competitive race among the five leading Democrats.

Candidate preferences were in the single digits when initially asked:

- Mike Newhouse - 5%
- John Erickson - 6%
- Sion Roy - 5%
- Brian Goldsmith - 5%
- Ellen Evans - 6%

After respondents were read the candidate's biography, preferences changed dramatically:

- Mike Newhouse - 13%
- John Erickson - 10%
- Sion Roy - 6%
- Brian Goldsmith - 6%
- Ellen Evans - 5%

The Newhouse campaign was encouraged by these results indicating "a clear path to victory."

In addition, Newhouse announced another endorsement from the public safety community.

The California Fraternal Order of Police is now on board with Newhouse to succeed the retiring incumbent, Ben Allen, now a leading candidate for the office of Insurance Commissioner.

“The California Fraternal Order of Police (CAFOP) is proud to stand with Mike Newhouse. Mike's been a champion for law enforcement and safe communities for decades and is exactly the kind of legislator California needs,” said Roger Hilton, CAFOP President.

“I’m honored to earn the support of the California Fraternal Order of Police and the dedicated men and women they represent,” said Newhouse. “Strengthening public safety is one of my core priorities, and I will continue working to ensure our law enforcement officers have the resources, support, and leadership they need to keep us all safe.”

HILLARY CLINTON ENDORSES GOLDSMITH:

Brian Goldsmith, who with Newhouse are leading the race from a fundraising perspective announced the endorsement of former Secretary of State and First Lady of the United States, Hillary Clinton.

"More than 25 years ago, I delayed college to work on Secretary Clinton’s first race for the U.S. Senate—it was an experience I’ll never forget and from which I learned so much," offered Goldsmith.

"Hillary Clinton is the gold standard of public service. As first lady, she fought for every American to have access to quality affordable health care—and when that effort faltered, she helped pass the Children’s Health Insurance Program which, to this day, insures more than seven million kids in the United States. As a senator from New York, she forged unusual partnerships and worked across the aisle to write important legislation and rebuild her state after 9/11. As secretary of state, she negotiated peace deals and strengthened our economic and political alliances around the world."

"And of course, she became the first woman nominated by a major party for President of the United States. Hillary won millions more votes than Donald Trump…and how much better off California and the country would be had she been elected," offered Goldsmith.

"I am truly humbled to have her endorsement."

In other campaign news, Senator Ben Allen (D-24) received the endorsement of the West LA Democrats, garnering over 60% of the organization's participating membership for the office of California Insurance Commissioner.

The announcement was made by President Cara Robin, the longtime leader of this westside Democratic club. Allen is a favorite son of sorts since he is a resident of Santa Monica.

*(Nick Antonicello is a thirty-three-year resident of Venice who covers politics and government on LA's Westside. Have a take or a tip? Contact him via e-mail at <nantoni@mindspring.com>.)*

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