Assemblyman Sebastian Ridley-Thomas announced this week that he is resigning due to health reasons. The resignation will be effective in four days. Martin Feinberg, Culver City Realtor, noted that Ridley-Thomas has represented the 54th Assembly District since elected in 2013. This district includes Westwood, Crenshaw, Baldwin Hills, and Culver City, comprising the Culver City Real Estate Area.
Ridley-Thomas stated on his website, “While it has been a great honor to serve as a member of the California State Assembly for the past four years, I have decided to resign from my post effective December 31, 2017. The reason for this difficult decision is that I am facing persistent health issues. On December 18th, I underwent surgery for the fifth time this year. Although I expect a full recovery, my physicians advise that I will need an extended period of time to recuperate.”
Also according to Ridley-Thomas’ website, he notified Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon of his plans on Tuesday, “with great reluctance, but even greater respect for the office, which involves constant travel, an unrelenting schedule and high stress.”
In that letter the Assemblyman wrote, “Unfortunately, at this point, I am no longer able to deliver the effort that you deserve. When I resume public life, I intend to remain active in civic affairs, where my passion lies. Following recuperation, I will return to the work of political empowerment, millennial civic engagement and inspiring the next generation of leaders.”
Ridley-Thomas’ father, Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley- Thomas, released a statement saying their “family is dedicated to public service, and Avis and I are extremely proud of how our son, Sebastian, has represented California’s 54th State Assembly District and served as a role model for the greater African American community and his generation. Yet we, more than anyone, have seen him struggle with health challenges this year, and we fully support his decision to step down from the state Legislature so that he can recuperate with complete rest, in accordance with his doctor’s orders.”
Eventually a special election will be held to fill Ridley-Thomas’ seat but no date for that has been set. According to Los Angeles County Democratic Party Chair Mark Gonzalez, “the timeline to fill the 54th Assembly seat begins at Governor (Jerry) Brown’s desk. He will set a date for a special election in 2018 and the process for the Democratic Party to endorse a candidate for the 54th Assembly District will follow suit.”
Martin Feinberg, Realtor, wishes Assemblyman Ridley-Thomas all the best during his recovery.