CALIFORNIA ASSEMBLY : Paul E. Zeltner--Edward K. Waters

In the 54th Assembly District of southeastern Los Angeles County, Democrat Edward K. Waters, 31, of Compton, defeated Lakewood City Councilman Paul E. Zeltner, 61. The Waters victory gives the Legislature its first mother-and-son team; Waters’ mother, Maxine, is a veteran Democratic assemblywoman from the 48th District. Democrats outnumber Republicans in the blue-collar district by more than two to one, and Waters benefited from financial support from his mother and Assembly Speaker Willie Brown. Zeltner, a 40-year resident of the area, had hoped to capitalize on his long familiarity with the district, while pointing out that Waters moved into the district this year.