16 File for Primary to Replace Rep. Roybal in 30th District

Sixteen people, including two prominent Latinos, filed papers by Friday’s deadline for the June 2 primary in the 30th Congressional District to succeed Democratic Rep. Edward R. Roybal, who is retiring after 30 years in the House.

Nine Democrats filed for the seat in the heavily Democratic district, which encompasses mostly inner-city neighborhoods north and west of downtown Los Angeles. Latinos make up 61% of the district’s residents but only 34% of its registered voters.

Roybal, who represents downtown and East Los Angeles in Congress, was expected to run in the 30th District, but his wife’s frail health prompted the patriarch of the city’s Latino politicians to announce his retirement.

Roybal’s announcement shocked supporters and prompted a host of Latinos to consider running for the seat. The race took another turn two weeks ago when Roybal’s chief aide and handpicked successor, Henry Lozano, decided to pull out because of family considerations.

Heading the field of Democrats are Los Angeles school board member Leticia Quezada and Assemblyman Xavier Becerra of Monterey Park. Quezada has been endorsed by Assemblyman Richard Polanco (D-Los Angeles), an ally of Los Angeles City Councilman Richard Alatorre.

Becerra is expected to be supported by Molina and Roybal.

Other Democrats who filed include Sid Molina, listed as a marketing and legislation consultant; teacher Gonzalo Molina, and Jeff F. Penichet, an educator and business owner. Four others, Mark Calney, Roland R. Mora, Albert C. Lum and Esca W. Smith, also filed, but their occupations were not immediately available.

Three Republicans who filed were Khalil Khalil, David A. Ramirez and Morry Waksberg. Their occupations were not immediately available.

Blase Bonpane, an American government professor, filed for the Green Party.

Andrew (Drew) Consalvo, a quality control manager, filed as a Libertarian Party candidate.

Two people, social worker Elizabeth A. Nakano and teacher Maria (Liz) Munoz, filed for the Peace and Freedom Party nomination.