Wong starts with key endorsements, has raised over $150,000
MONTEREY PARK, CA – Thomas Wong, President of the San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District Board and accomplished community leader, announced today that he will run for the State Assembly in District 49 when the seat becomes open. Wong begins his campaign with impressive early fundraising and key endorsements from State Controller Betty Yee and Assemblymember Lisa Calderon.
Over nearly a decade of elected service, Wong has built a strong record of delivering real results for the San Gabriel Valley, including policies to improve affordability, invest in critical infrastructure and create a sustainable environment. From an early age, Wong has been inspired by the example of his parents – immigrants from Taiwan and Myanmar who sought a better life in the San Gabriel Valley – to help others achieve the same opportunities for success. Wong, who would be the first Millennial and openly LGBT person to represent his home District, has pledged to fight for policies that expand opportunity for all.
“As we emerge from the COVID-19 crisis, I am running for State Assembly to find commonsense solutions to some of our most persistent challenges and deliver results. The California Dream is increasingly out of reach for too many in the San Gabriel Valley and I will fight to restore the promise of opportunity in the community where I was born and raised,” said Wong.
In addition to endorsements from Yee and Calderon, Wong announced that he has already raised over $150,000 for his campaign for AD49 from hundreds of community members and leaders.
“I am proud to support Thomas Wong in his campaign for California State Assembly,” said Controller Yee. “I have seen his work and dedication firsthand, he is a thoughtful and proven leader in the San Gabriel Valley and has been actively working to address the pressing issues of our day—from economic inequality, to housing, education, climate change, poverty, and transportation. We need principled leaders like Thomas in the legislature.”
Assemblymember Calderon, who represents the neighboring 57th Assembly District, said, “I have worked with and know Thomas Wong. He knows how government works and how to get things done. His deep roots in the district, his experience and unique perspective ensures he will be a highly effective representative for the diverse community of the 49th AD. I’m delighted to endorse him in his run for Assembly.”
Wong was first elected to serve on the San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District Board in 2012 and has served as the Board’s President since 2015. In that time, he spearheaded efforts to ensure a sustainable, affordable and resilient water supply for the region, including millions for critical local infrastructure investments and water-saving technologies. During the COVID-19 crisis, he took unprecedented action to assist local residents in need, including help for those who could not afford their water bills.
He currently works as an environmental policy advocate for Southern California Edison, one of the nation’s largest electric utilities and the largest employer in the 49th Assembly District, advancing clean energy, climate and environmental justice policies. He has served on a number of local boards and commissions, receiving appointments from the LA County Board of Supervisors and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon.
You can find more about Wong on his campaign website at www.thomaswong.com.
The 49th AD covers the cities of Alhambra, Arcadia, Monterey Park, San Gabriel, Rosemead, Temple City, and portions of El Monte, Montebello and South El Monte. The district is a majority Asian-American district, making up an estimated 54% of the population. It is currently represented by Assemblymember Ed Chau. Wong has promised he will not run against Chau – he will only seek the seat when it becomes an open seat.
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