Hawthorne

Two Democratic incumbents, Katrina Manning and Alex Monteiro are running for reelection against a Republican challenger, Sergio Montara. There are two open seats and we’re recommending voting for both incumbent Democrats: Manning and Monteiro.

Katrina Manning: Manning currently serves as a city councilwoman and was elected in 2022. She also held the role of mayor pro tem for 1 year (April 2024-April 2025). She has launched several community events during her time on the city council and secured funding to improve local parks and infrastructure. She also serves on the board of the College of Business Administration at CSU DH, as vice president of the Baldwin Hills & Urban Watersheds Conservancy, and sits on the Los Angeles World Airports Board.

Alexandre ‘Alex’ Monteiro: Monteiro also currently serves on the Hawthorne City Council. He has been involved with several nonprofits throughout his career, including currently serving as President of the Board of Directors of Moneta Gardens Improvement, which supports seniors and low-income residents in finding affordable housing. He has focused his career on working with schools and community groups to ensure underprivileged children, their families, and senior citizens are supported and able to access services to fulfill their basic needs. He unsuccessfully ran for CA State Senate (District 35) in 2024, finishing 5th in the primary with 6 percent of the vote.

Sergio Roberto Mortara: Mortara currently serves as vice president of the Hawthorne School Board and has been on the board since 2013. He is the owner of Continental Gourmet Market, which he started as an Argentine grocery store in 1980 and has grown to multiple locations, including a USDA processing facility which provides empanadas to several major stadiums and theme parks. He was featured as a distinguished speaker at the 2024 City of Hawthorne Business Expo. Mortara does not appear to have any political experience, nor does he have a campaign website/account with any information on his platform.

While neither candidates are strictly progressive, the two incumbents are the best choice for this race given their experience and community focus.

Two Democratic incumbents, Katrina Manning and Alex Monteiro are running for reelection against a Republican challenger, Sergio Montara. There are two open seats and we’re recommending voting for both incumbent Democrats: Manning and Monteiro.

Katrina Manning: Manning currently serves as a city councilwoman and was elected in 2022. She also held the role of mayor pro tem for 1 year (April 2024-April 2025). She has launched several community events during her time on the city council and secured funding to improve local parks and infrastructure. She also serves on the board of the College of Business Administration at CSU DH, as vice president of the Baldwin Hills & Urban Watersheds Conservancy, and sits on the Los Angeles World Airports Board.

Alexandre ‘Alex’ Monteiro: Monteiro also currently serves on the Hawthorne City Council. He has been involved with several nonprofits throughout his career, including currently serving as President of the Board of Directors of Moneta Gardens Improvement, which supports seniors and low-income residents in finding affordable housing. He has focused his career on working with schools and community groups to ensure underprivileged children, their families, and senior citizens are supported and able to access services to fulfill their basic needs. He unsuccessfully ran for CA State Senate (District 35) in 2024, finishing 5th in the primary with 6 percent of the vote.

Sergio Roberto Mortara: Mortara currently serves as vice president of the Hawthorne School Board and has been on the board since 2013. He is the owner of Continental Gourmet Market, which he started as an Argentine grocery store in 1980 and has grown to multiple locations, including a USDA processing facility which provides empanadas to several major stadiums and theme parks. He was featured as a distinguished speaker at the 2024 City of Hawthorne Business Expo. Mortara does not appear to have any political experience, nor does he have a campaign website/account with any information on his platform.

While neither candidates are strictly progressive, the two incumbents are the best choice for this race given their experience and community focus.

The former Hawthorne City Treasurer, Marie Poindexter-Hornback, took a leave of absence beginning last December after a federal grand jury indictment accused her of embezzling over $200,000 from Fidelity, her former employer.

L. David Patterson: Patterson is a former Hawthorne City Councilmember and has held positions in the Carson and Hawthorne treasuries. His campaign website lists financial accountability and transparency as his top priorities. He is endorsed by two current Hawthorne City Councilmembers, City Treasurers of Carson, South Gate, and Compton, and retired State Senator Richard Polanco (D).

Raymond Vergara: Vergara is an insurance agent for Farmers Insurance. He does not appear to have any political experience, nor does he have a campaign website/account with any information on his platform.

Given the recent circumstances around the position, and the need for an honest, accountable treasurer, Patterson would be the clear choice given his experience and endorsements.