Ridley-Thomas’ seat draws interest

With state Sen. Mark Ridley-Thomas winning election to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors this week, two state assemblymen said Friday that they are likely to compete in a special election to fill the vacancy.

Curren Price Jr. (D-Inglewood) and Mike Davis (D-Los Angeles) said they are seriously considering a run for the seat, which overlaps both of their Assembly districts.

“I’m probably going to run. I’m very interested,” said Price, who was elected to the 51st Assembly District in 2006 and reelected Tuesday, receiving 77% of the vote.

“I would certainly be very interested. I have 50% of the Senate district in my district,” said Davis, who was elected to the 48th Assembly District two years ago and reelected Tuesday with 87% of the vote.

District activists said another potential candidate is Culver City school board member Saundra Davis.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger must call a special election to fill the 26th Senate District seat once election officials certify the results. Ridley-Thomas’ Senate term ends Nov. 30.

Davis said the only reason he might not run is if Assembly Speaker Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles) decides to seek the Senate seat, but a spokesman for Bass said she is not planning to run for that district this year.

Another potentially strong candidate, Los Angeles City Councilman Herb Wesson, said he does not plan to run for the seat either. “I’m very happy where I am,” Wesson said, adding that his wife, Fabian, also is not planning to run for the Senate seat because she is focused instead on Bass’ 47th Assembly District seat when the incumbent must step down because of term limits.

Wesson said a Davis-Price contest for the 26th Senate District would be competitive.

“They both bring experience and skills, and a strong platform to the race,” he said.

With the election likely to be held soon, the winner might be the one better able to raise a lot of money fast, Wesson said. “This is going to be a sprint.”

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patrick.mcgreevy@latimes.com