Southeast Region : Commerce Attorney Poses New Challenge to Martinez
Rep. Matthew G. Martinez (D-Monterey Park), who overcame strong Democratic primary foes in 1984 and 1988, will face a new challenge in 1992 from attorney Bonifacio Bonny Garcia.
Garcia, 34, a graduate of Harvard Law School and a partner in the City of Commerce law firm of Barbosa, Garcia, Morillo & Barnes, announced his candidacy last week at a press conference at his home in San Gabriel.
He said his campaign will stress his ability to provide more effective leadership than Martinez offers in the 30th Congressional District, which covers Bell, Bell Gardens, Commerce, Cudahy, Maywood and Montebello in the Southeast area. The district also includes Alhambra, Azusa, El Monte, Irwindale, Monterey Park, Rosemead, San Gabriel and Vernon.
Martinez, 62, said he plans to seek reelection. He has represented the district since 1982, when he won a special election to succeed George Danielson, who resigned to accept a judgeship.
Martinez overcame primary challenges in 1982 from Danielson’s wife, Gladys, and in 1988 from former Monterey Park Mayor Lily Chen.
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