ORANGE COUNTY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION BACKS SERGIO CONTRERAS
Westminster Councilmember Sergio Contreras Continues to Rack Up Key Endorsements as the Orange County Medical Association Joins Broad Coalition Supporting his OC Supervisor Campaign
WESTMINSTER, CA -- After weeks of controversy stemming from Orange County health officials rolling back the mandatory order on face coverings in public following intense political pressure from the OC Board of Supervisors and the subsequent rise in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, today Westminster Councilmember Sergio Contreras earned the endorsement of the Orange County Medical Association (OCMA) his bid for Orange County Supervisor.
OCMA President Jason Cord, MD, released the following statement with their endorsement of Contreras:
“Supervisors have a very important duty in the community and it is important that they seek and listen to the advice of experts and professionals- whether it is in selecting board members for CalOptima or supporting county public health officials during a pandemic. Good, common-sense decisions are a must and politics should not come into play when you are addressing the health, safety and well-being of the community. After more than two decades in public service, Councilman Contreras has shown to be that type of leader.”
Earlier this month, OC Public Health Officer Dr. Nichole Quick was forced to resign following substantial pressure from the Board of Supervisors and virulent abuse from the public over the rule she instated requiring the wearing of face coverings in social settings. She became the third person to depart that post in the midst of this pandemic.
Orange County’s First District of the Board of Supervisors continues to be a ripe red-to-blue flip opportunity for Democrats. In the 2020 primary for the First District, Democratic candidates finished with 57.7% of the vote to the Republicans 42.3%. In terms of voter registration, Democrats hold a 19 point advantage over Republicans, making up 44% of all registered voters in the First District.
To date, Councilmember Sergio Contreras has received the following endorsements:
Organizations:
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Democratic Party of Orange County
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Orange County Labor Federation (OCLF)
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California Nurses Association (CNA)
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Orange County Professional Firefighters Association (IAFF Local 3631)
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Orange County Medical Association
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SEIU - USWW
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SEIU 2015
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SEIU Local 721
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Coast Federation of Educators, American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Local 1911
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California School Employees Association (CSEA) Santa Ana Chapter 41
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American Federation of State, County, Municipal Employees (AFSCME) District Council 36
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American Federation of State, County, Municipal Employees (AFSCME) United Domestic Workers (UDW) Local 3930
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American Federation of State, County, Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 2076
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American Federation of State, County, Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 1734
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Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters
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Laborers International Union of North America (LiUNA) Local 652
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International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 12
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International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 501
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National Union of Healthcare Workers
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United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers & Allied Workers Local 220
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International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 441
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UA Local 582, Plumbers & Steamfitters
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Painters & Allied Trades District Council 36
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UNITE HERE Local 11
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Ironworkers Local 433
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Ironworkers Local 416
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UFCW Local 324
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Community Action Fund of Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties
Elected Officials:
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U.S. Congresswoman Katie Porter
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U.S. Congressman Alan Lowenthal
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U.S. Congressman Harley Rouda
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U.S. Congresswoman Linda Sanchez
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U.S. Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (Ret.)
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California State Senator Lena Gonzalez
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California State Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva
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California State Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris
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California Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell
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California State Senator Josh Newman (Ret.)
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Garden Grove School Board Trustee Walter Muneton
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Garden Grove School Board Trustee Teri Rocco
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Garden Grove Councilmember Kris Beard (Ret.)
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Westminster School Boardmember Jamison Power
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Westminster School Boardmember Amy Walsh (Ret.)
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Costa Mesa Mayor Katrina Foley
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Costa Mesa Councilman Manuel Chavez
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Rancho Community College Trustee Lawrence Labrado
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Santa Ana Unified School District President Valerie Amezcua
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Santa Ana Unified School District Board Member John Palacio
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Santa Ana Councilmember Sal Tinajero (Ret.)
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Santa Ana Councilmember David Benavides (Ret.)
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Santa Ana School Board Trustee Alfonso Alvarez
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Anaheim Elementary School Boardmember Juan Gabriel Alvarez
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Anaheim Elementary School Boardmember Ryan Ruelas
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Anaheim Elementary School Boardmember Dr. Jose Pablo Magcalas
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Anaheim Elementary School Boardmember D.R. Heywood (Ret.)
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Anaheim Union High School District Clerk of the Board, Annemarie Randle-Trejo
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Huntington Beach Union High School District Trustee Duane Dishno
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Fullerton School Boardmember Aaruni Thakur
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Oceanview School District Vice President Gina Clayton-Tarvin
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Midway City Sanitary District Director Margie L. Rice
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The first Supervisorial District includes the cities of Garden Grove, Santa Ana, Westminster, the unincorporated community of Midway City, and parts of Fountain Valley. The first Supervisorial District is 42% Democratic and 24% Republican by registration – making it one of the most flippable major local offices in California.
Sergio Contreras, a husband, father, homeowner, and registered Democrat, has served on the Westminster City Council since 2012, where he successfully championed the largest upgrade to Westminster’s park system since 1996, encompassing 22 park facilities and representing a $10.4 million investment in the community. Contreras oversaw the city’s first general plan update in decades. He also placed emergency call boxes in all Westminster parks to enhance public safety, and fought to place outdoor exercise equipment in local parks to improve public health.
Contreras previously served on the Westminster School Board from 2004 to 2012, including serving as president of the board in 2012. On the School Board, Contreras helped pass a $130 million school bond to modernize Westminster’s school facilities and make them safer. In that role, he established an all-day kindergarten system, making Westminster School District the first in Orange County to provide day-long kindergarten at all school sites. Contreras also increased access to music and arts programs districtwide, while expanding after-school programs.
Now, Contreras works as the Senior Director of Education and Healthy Schools for the Orange County United Way where he creates strategic community partnerships to empower students from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds. Contreras lives in Westminster with his wife Adriana, where their children Sergio III and Chloe attend local schools.
Recently, Contreras's upbringing and life's story was featured in the OC Weekly, which you can find here.