Duties

State representatives introduce and vote on bills that represent the interests of their constituents (people who live in their voting district). They create new laws, modify or update old laws and serve on research committees within the legislative branch. These representatives uphold the state’s Constitution, and vote on changes to the Constitution when amendments are needed. They may address issues such as  education, transportation, commerce, state taxes and any other items that are a concern to local residents. Representatives may also assist constituents with personal legal issues such as immigration or justice problems.

This safely Democratic district in South Los Angeles is a historic base of Black political representation, but the population has become overwhelmingly Latino in recent decades.

District 57 encompasses the neighborhoods of Downtown Los Angeles, Florence, Skid Row, Harbor Gateway, West Adams, South Los Angeles, Southeast Los Angeles, University Park, and Watts.

Candidates

Sade Elhawary

Educator / Community Organizer

Democrat

https://sadeforassembly.com/

Sade Elhawary is an educator, organizer, and foster parent. Born and raised in Los Angeles and of black and Guatemalan descent, Sade has been involved in politics and activism from the time she was elected Student Body President in elementary school.

After receiving her bachelor’s degree from UCLA and master’s from Harvard Graduate School of Education, Sade joined the faculty team that founded and created the curriculum of the Nelson Mandela School for Social Justice.

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Efren Martinez

Education Commissioner / Businessman

Democrat

https://www.efrenmartinez.com/

Efren Martinez was born and raised in South LA. He attended local schools and was raised by his mother Francisca, a former farmworker who moved to LA to work in local factories. Their father, Efren Sr., was a gas pump attendant and later a truck driver. Both parents struggled to find better paying jobs. The family struggled with poverty, homelessness and hunger.

Efren enlisted in the US Marine Corps, where he served for ten (10) years, earning numerous commendations such as the Presidential Citation and 12 Military/Combat related service medals, ribbons, and awards.

Following his military service, Efren pursued Business studies through the Navy College University Program.

Efren assumed the role of Executive Director at a local small business non-profit. Consequently, alongside a childhood friend, he founded a small transportation business dedicated to assisting seniors, as well as individuals with disabilities, in accessing medical appointments and running local errands. Through persistent efforts, the company has prospered, providing valuable services to residents and delivering well-paying jobs with accompanying benefits.

​Efren has served as Chair for Economic Development Committees for the Second Supervisorial District and has served on Boards of several local organizations including the Los Angeles Unified School District Review Committees, American Cancer Association, Salvation Army, YMCA, Kiwanis Club, The Florence-Firestone Community Leaders, and various economic development and public safety committees.