Alex Johnson becomes latest to challenge for open District 1 seat
Vanessa Romo | January 16, 2014
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![Alex Johnson](http://laschoolreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Alex-Johnson-192x240.jpg)
Alex Johnson
Alex Johnson has made his decision.
Johnson, who is the Assistant Senior Deputy for Education and Public Safety to Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, confirmed to LA School Report that he is running for LA Unified’s District 1 seat in the special election this June.
In a statement he said:
“I’m running because the children of our communities are being left behind by a school system that doesn’t address their needs and doesn’t put children first. The parents, children, and taxpayers of our communities deserve to have a school board representative who is independent – independent from the status quo, from the past, and from the special interests.”
Johnson’s bid for the seat sets up a political proxy battle between Ridley-Thomas and U.S. Representatives Maxine Waters and Karen Bass, who are backing retired LAUSD administrator George McKenna.
Johnson’s entry to the June 3 primary brings to five the number of people who have declared an intent to run. The other candidates are Genethia Hudley-Hayes, Sherlett Hendy Newbill, and Rachel Johnson.
The seat was previously held by Marguerite LaMotte, who died last month.
Previous posts: Two teachers join the field the race for LA Unified Board seat, Ex-board president emerges as candidate for LaMotte seat.