SAN PEDRO, CA – Today, Bishop Juan Carlos Mendez, founder of Churches IN Action and a leader of the Los Angeles Interfaith Council, endorsed Nanette Barragán for Congress in California’s 44th District.

“Bishop Mendez serves as an exceptional spiritual and entrepreneurial role model to the South Gate community, and I am proud to have his endorsement,” said Barragán. “The leadership of his congregation and those he reaches over the airwaves is reflective of his long-standing commitments to education and social justice. I look forward to working alongside Bishop Mendez to support the Latino community in District 44.”

Bishop Mendez cited Barragán’s shared roots with his congregation in South Gate, focus on creating equal opportunities for California families, and dedication to the representation of minority voices as reasons for his support.

“I have devoted my life to the hungry, the needy, and the politically under-represented in South Gate and beyond. For too long, the needs and voices of our community have gone unheard in our nation’s capital,” said Mendez. “I believe that Nanette has the capability and passion necessary to change this. Her upbringing in the district and deep understanding of the obstacles facing families here uniquely equip her to be a powerful advocate for our community in Washington D.C.”

Barragán, the daughter of immigrants from Mexico, grew up in Carson and the surrounding areas where she attended Stephen M. White Middle School, learned to swim at Carson Pool, and studied at the Carson Library. She worked her way through UCLA and law school at USC before becoming a long-time advocate for the environment and the first elected Latina member of the Hermosa Beach City Council. She was also a leader in the fight against Measure O, a ballot measure that would have allowed oil companies to drill for oil in the Santa Monica Bay.

Find more information here: www.barraganforcongress.com

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