Longtime labor leader and two-term Long Beach Councilmember Al Austin has launched his campaign for California’s 33rd State Senate District.

“I’m proud of the work I’ve done throughout this region and I’m running for State Senate to take that experience to Sacramento to continue bringing together community members, unions, and local small businesses to get results that improve economic opportunities for all residents,” Austin announced.

Upon entering the race, Austin has hit the ground running by earning key endorsements, including his colleagues Long Beach Vice Mayor Dee Andrews and Long Beach Councilmembers Suzie Price and Daryl Supernaw.

“Al is the type of leader we need in Sacramento, someone who understands the issues in the region and puts the community first,” said Long Beach Councilmember Suzie Price.  “I’ve seen him in action firsthand and nobody works harder or listens more.”

A partial list of endorsements for Austin’s State Senate campaign include:

Dee Andrews, Long Beach Vice Mayor
Suzie Price, Long Beach Councilmember
Daryl Supernaw, Long Beach Councilmember
Ed Wilson, Signal Hill Councilmember
Betty Karnette, State Senator (ret.)
Doris Topsy Elvord, Long Beach Vice Mayor (ret.)
Val Lerch, Long Beach Vice Mayor (ret.)
Robin Perry, Former Long Beach Civil Service Commission President
Wayne Chaney, Sr., Long Beach Airport Commissioner
Willie McGinest, Long Beach Legend and 3-Time Super Bowl Champion

“Al has always demonstrated a deep commitment to our community,” said retired State Senator Betty Karnette, who represented much of this district.  “I know a thing or two about the State Senate and Al will be the accessible leader we need here in the 33rd Senate District. That’s why I am proud to endorse Al to be our next Senator.”

“I am excited to continue to improve the quality of life here in the 33rd Senate District,” said Austin. “This is our opportunity to have a leader in Sacramento who will be strong on the issues of transportation, economic development, and the future of our families. And do that all while increasing transparency in government and protecting taxpayer dollars from being wasted.”

Councilmember Austin has been a leader in the region on transportation, economic opportunity, and sustainable planning.  He represented Long Beach on the Gateway Cities Council of Governments, which consists of 27 cities in Southeast Los Angeles County that focus on improving transportation, air quality, housing, and economic development.

As President of the Gateway Cities Council of Governments, Councilmember Austin worked on several initiatives including the I-710 Corridor Project, the Climate Action Planning Framework, and regional approaches that address homelessness.  Austin also served for four years on the League of California Cities Board of Directors and currently serves as chair of the City Council’s State Legislation Committee.

A former aerospace worker and legislative staffer, Councilmember Austin has served for over a decade as a professional staff representative for the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), AFL-CIO, where he works in support of working families, and quality public services throughout California.

Councilmember Austin currently represents the 8th District on the City Council, which includes the communities of Bixby Knolls, Los Cerritos, and North Long Beach. He and his wife, Daysha, and their two sons are proud residents of the 33rd Senate District.