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For Immediate Release
January 25, 2016
Contact: Dave Jacobson, (818) 943-2348
Shallman Communications
CORREA RECEIVES MILESTONE ENDORSEMENT FROM PASTOR OF LARGEST OC AFRICAN AMERICAN CHURCH
Esteemed Rev. Mark Whitlock of Christ Our Redeemer A.M.E Church Backs Lou Correa for U.S. Congress
SANTA ANA, CA— Continuing to edge out his competition in the race to secure important endorsements, today former State Senator Lou Correa won a hugely influential endorsement from the Pastor of the largest African American church in Orange County, the Rev. Mark E. Whitlock, Jr.
Serving as Pastor of Christ Our Redeemer A.M.E. Church since 1998, Whitlock previously was founder and executive director of FAME Renaissance, the economic development arm of the well-known First A.M.E. Church in Los Angeles.
Expressing his gratitude for the endorsement, former State Senator Lou Correa remarked:
“Reverend Mark Whitlock is an icon in Orange County. So many in our community look to him for spiritual guidance and leadership. Since he began as Pastor in 1998, he’s become one of our regions most respected community leaders. Having the Pastor’s endorsement means a great deal to me personally. I’m honored to count him among my top supporters.”
Additionally, Whitlock is director of community initiatives at the University of Southern California’s Center for Religion and Civic Culture, and a board member of Harvard Divinity School’s Summer Leadership Institute. A graduate of the University of Laverne, he also attended Payne Theological Seminary and is a candidate to graduate with a masters in social entrepreneurship from USC in May. Whitlock lectures widely on subjects of faith and community, and has received numerous national, state and city service awards.
The poll, conducted by Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz & Associates, is relatively fresh out of the field, and was conducted from December 13th through December 16th. The initial results show Correa with a decisive lead over all other candidates:
- 37% Lou Correa
- 5% Joe Dunn
- 4%* Jordan Brandman
- 8% Bao Nguyen
- 12% Adam Nick
- 1% Other
- 33% Undecided
After messaging, Correa’s support grows to 43%, while the other candidates’ totals remain nearly unchanged. The memo showed Correa with a net favorability rating more than double that of any other candidate in the race.
To read the polling memo, click here.
Beyond today’s announcement, Correa has racked up widespread support from organizations and leaders, including:
Organizations
- California Police Chiefs’ Association
- National Latino Peace Officers Association
- California Small Business Association
- Building Our Leadership Diversity (BOLD) PAC
- International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 36
- International Union of Operating Engineers Local 501
- Santa Ana School Police Officers’ Association
- Santa Ana Police Officers’ Association
Elected Leaders
- House Democratic Caucus Chair & Congressman Xavier Becerra
- Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair and Congresswoman Linda Sánchez
- Congresswoman & former State Assembly Speaker Karen Bass
- Congressman Juan Vargas
- Congressman Alan Lowenthal
- Congressman Pete Aguilar
- Congressman Ted Lieu
- Congressman Tony Cardenas
- Congresswoman Norma Torres
- Congressman Raul Ruiz, MD.
- Congressman Ruben Gallego
- Congressman Luis Gutierrez
- Congressman Ruben Hinojosa
- Congressman Filemon Vela
- California’s State Treasurer John Chiang
- California’s Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson
- California State Senate President Pro-Tem Kevin de León
- California Board of Equalization Chair Jerome Horton
- California Lt. Governor Cruz Bustamante (Ret.)
- California Latino Legislative Caucus Chair and State Assemblyman Luis Alejo
- California Legislative Black Caucus Chair & State Assemblyman Reggie Jones-Sawyer
- California State Senator and former Air Force General Richard Roth
- California State Senator & LGBT trailblazer Mark Leno
- California State Senator & Labor Committee Chair Tony Mendoza
- California State Assemblywoman & former San Diego Central Labor Council Leader Lorena Gonzalez
- California State Assemblyman Henry Perea
- Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchins
- Santa Ana City Council Member Michele Martinez
- Santa Ana Unified School District Board President John Palacio
- Santa Ana Unified School District Clerk Valerie Amezcua
- Santa Ana Unified School District Board Member José Alfredo Hernández, J.D.
- Anaheim Union High School District Board President Annemarie Randle-Trejo
- Anaheim Union High School District Board Member Al Jabbar
- Anaheim City School District Board of Education President Bob Gardner
- Anaheim City School District Board of Education Member Ryan Ruelas
- Anaheim Police Chief John Welter (Ret.)*
- City of Garden Grove City Council Member Kris Beard
- Huntington Beach Unified School District Board Member Bonnie Castrey
- Los Angeles City Councilman, past State Senator Gil Cedillo
- Artesia City Council Member Ali Sajjad Taj
Community Leaders
- South County Labor Chair Ray Cordova*
- Orange County-based LGBT activist Gregory Willenborg*
Correa served in the California State Senate, representing the 34th District, from 2006- 2014 and served the cities of Anaheim, Buena Park, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Santa Ana, Stanton and Westminster. Prior to the Senate, he served on the Orange County Board of Supervisors representing the 1st District. Before his time on the Board, Correa served in the California State Assembly representing the 69th District.
*Titles for Identification Purposes Only.
For more information, please visit www.LouCorrea.com.
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