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WESTSIDE - After failing to submit the required number of valid signatures with the LA City Clerk's Office, council hopeful Jeremy Wineberg will continue his candidacy as a write-in candidate.
Initially, it appeared Wineberg would be ending his campaign after failing to qualify with the prerequisite number of 500 signatures, and according to his website on Saturday would be endorsing Faizah Malik, the other challenger against incumbent Councilwoman Traci Park.
On Monday, the website indicated that he would be moving forward with a write-in effort instead.
"After the ballot determination, I briefly stepped back to reassess. After speaking with supporters and reviewing what occurred, I decided to continue as a write-in candidate. The issues of this campaign have not changed, and I do not believe voters in this district should lose that option," said Wineberg in a prepared statement.
"I understand that write-in campaigns are difficult, but this is not a protest candidacy. I am continuing because I believe this district needs a serious, practical alternative, and I believe I have the most grounded plan in the race," offered the first-time hopeful.
"This race is not over. My campaign is active, and we are moving forward."
When asked to comment, Malik, the civil rights attorney and DSA backed candidate, viewed the race as a one-on-one contest with Park.
"This is a race between us and the incumbent, but Jeremy's lived experience as a fire survivor is important, and I'm glad he's found a way to share it with the people of CD-11."
Handicappers and political observers see Park as the established frontrunner, but there is distinct enthusiasm behind the Malik bid as witnessed by some 400 people that attended the initial candidate forum in Venice earlier this month.
Crystal Litz, an LA political consultant who focuses on judicial races described Park as "probably the smartest person in LA City government right now, and frankly, we desperately need her with the lack of a credible moderate and pragmatic candidate in the Mayor's race."
"The opponents can try to run from Mike Bonin (Park's predecessor), but his policies and failures are all over their talking points," offered Litz.
Park is leading the race in fundraising, as lawn signs for her reelection are sprouting about the district. Malik's ground game has been impressive as well as canvassing is taking place throughout CD-11 by her supporters.
According to Cara Robin, President of the West LA Democrats, she will be scheduling a campaign forum in April for the candidates.
With Wineberg off the ballot, the conventional wisdom is that the June Primary should determine the winner and thus avoid a November runoff. In 2022, candidate Erin Darling finished first in the June Primary, but Park came roaring back and defeated Darling by a 52%-48% margin in the general.
Both Park and Malik are lawyers and residents of Venice.
(Nick Antonicello is a thirty-three-year resident of Venice and is covering the race for LA City Council here in CD-11. Have a take or a tip? Contact him via e-mail at [email protected])
