Jed Leano looks to be California's next Filipinotown assemblyman

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Jed Leano looks to be California's next Filipinotown assemblyman

Steve Angeles,

ABS-CBN News

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California's primary election is just around the corner and Filipino American lawyer-turned-politician Jed Leano is making his final rounds before Super Tuesday.

The 44-year-old Claremont City Council member is running for the California State Assembly's 41st district, which covers the foothill regions of Los Angeles County to Rancho Cucamonga and the mountainous Northeastern portions of southern California's inland empire.

Since 2018, Leano has been serving as a council member and mayor for the town of Claremont, some 40 miles outside of downtown Los Angeles.

"I felt the time was right to run for this office because of homelessness and housing. Fundamentally I felt we needed to see strong leadership in this region on that issue," Leano said.

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"And that's the reason I got into public service. I ran in 2018 to get on the Claremont City Council for the first time and I made that the central focus of my campaign and my work," he said.

Born and raised in Anaheim, California, Leano is the son of Filipino immigrants. His mother came to the US from Parañaque as a nurse. His father left Tondo for the United States in the 1960s to serve in the US Navy. 

"My parents were really supportive and the only question they asked me was - do you think you can help? And the answer was yes. And because of that we believed not only can we win out first race but we can actually deliver and improve things in our community, our region, our state," Leano said.

If elected, Leano would be the third Filipino to make it to the state assembly after current Attorney General Rob Bonta and San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria.

Filipina American Jessica Caloza is also running for the state assembly this year in the neighboring 52nd district.

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"The time is now for us to be represented, not only in Sacramento but especially in this district where Asians are the fastest growing demographic in the assembly district," Leano said.

Leano's campaign has energized young voters and community leaders in the region like Andrea Edoria who has been helping Leano while she serves the county as a commissioner.

"I see myself in him. When I think of his campaign, I think of my family. I think of my own political beliefs. I have been a Pasadena native my whole life," Edoria said.

"I am a child of immigrants. I’m also a proud Filipino American. Just seeing Jed do all the work he does and being that true representative makes me have hope for our future in our political system."

The incumbent assemblyman Chris Holden is running for County Supervisor this election cycle. Leano is running against three other candidates.

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— Former law enforcement and public safety commissioner Phlunte Riddle. 

— Former prosecutor John Harabedian

— Republican and community leader Michelle Del Rosario Martinez 

The top two vote-getters in the March 5 primary election will face off in November. 

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