Snowden backs Daigle for Assembly [Corrected]

Former Costa Mesa Police Chief Dave Snowden on Monday announced that he is endorsing Newport Beach City Councilwoman Leslie Daigle for state Assembly, according to a news release.

“We have a Legislature full of partisan ideologues that have not made the streets of Orange County any safer,” Snowden said in a prepared statement. “Electing Leslie Daigle to the Assembly would be a huge step in changing the culture in Sacramento.”

Snowden served as Costa Mesa’s police chief from 1986 to 2003. He now serves as chief of police for Beverly Hills.

FOR THE RECORD:
An earlier version incorrectly said Irvine financial planner Paul Vann, an independent, is running for the 74th Assembly District seat. As of last week, he is no longer in the race.

“Chief Snowden is one of California’s most prominent and influential law enforcement officials,” Daigle, a Republican, said in a prepared statement. “As a former president of the California Police Chiefs Assn., he has a special understanding and familiarity of the law enforcement challenges facing the new assembly district and the state. I’m deeply honored to have earned his encouragement and support.”

The 74th District, which was recently redrawn, encompasses includes Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, Irvine and Laguna Beach.

Last week Daigle announced endorsements from several former mayors and school officials, including Evelyn Hart, Mike Henn, Steve Rosansky and Martha Fluor.

Daigle is challenging Assemblyman Allan Mansoor (R-Costa Mesa). Mansoor is a former mayor of Costa Mesa.

Also in the race are Newport Beach activist Bob Rush, a Democrat and real estate investor.

sarah.peters@latimes.com

Twitter: @speters01