Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-41) has announced his candidacy for Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors District 5. Holden’s move sets up a political showdown with incumbent Kathryn Barger, the board’s only Republican member.

District 5 includes 22 cities and 70 unincorporated towns in the San Gabriel, San Fernando, Santa Clarita and Antelope Valleys. These include Holden’s hometown of Pasadena where he previously served as a councilmember and mayor.

As supervisor, Holden has promised to “pursue progressive solutions” for Los Angeles County. 

“I’ve advanced progressive policies that have impacted Californians’ lives such as expanding educational equity, improving workplace conditions, protecting reproductive and LGBTQ+ rights, and delivering millions in state funding for the Metro Gold Line, public libraries, hiking trails, and our beloved Rose Bowl and Pasadena Playhouse. The challenges we face need to be more urgently addressed. It’s time for Democratic leadership with a proven track record of getting things done for our County,” he said.  

The election will take place on March 5, 2024. A Holden victory would break the board’s current all-female representation.