Alvarez Endorses Umberg

From the Umberg/Alvarez Press Conference Thursday morning.

SANTA ANA – Longtime Santa Ana Councilwoman Claudia Alvarez announced today that she has decided to formally endorse former State Assemblyman Tom Umberg’s campaign for County Supervisor. Umberg is on the ballot for the February 6 special election to fill the open vacancy in central Orange County’s 1st Supervisorial district (Santa Ana, Garden Grove, & Westminster).

“I have decided today to endorse Tom Umberg to represent us on the Orange County Board of Supervisors,” said Alvarez, an Orange County Deputy District Attorney. “Although we have been opponents in the past, we are working together this time. I strongly believe that he is the best qualified candidate for this position. As a former State Assemblyman, Military Officer, Assistant U.S. Attorney, and Deputy Drug Czar, he has the most experience and the strongest credentials. I look forward to working together with him as County Supervisor to bring important county resources to the City of Santa Ana and the rest of central Orange County.”

Umberg and Alvarez ran against each other in the Democratic Primary for the 69th State Assembly District in 2004. It was one of the state’s most hotly contested elections. Umberg narrowly won by 365 votes.

“I am very excited to add my one time opponent, Claudia Alvarez, to my list of endorsements for this important Supervisorial race,” said Umberg. “As the senior member of the City Council and as a Deputy District Attorney, she has been working hard in Santa Ana to make a difference for our community. I am honored to have her confidence and support. I look forward to working together with her as County Supervisor.”

Umberg has also been endorsed by Santa Ana Councilman Sal Tinajero and former Santa Ana Councilman, and now State Assemblyman, Jose Solorio.