Venice Organizer Enters Congressional Race

LOS ANGELES, CA -- Engagement strategist Tenaya Wallace Tuesday announced her candidacy for the 34th Congressional District seat being vacated by Rep. Xavier Becerra, promising "radical transparency" if elected.

Wallace said she would record and upload all meetings with lobbyists so constituents can see exactly what she is being asked to support and bring a film crew with her to Washington.

Wallace also promised to raise no more than $5,000 and is asking supporters to donate time and talent instead of money.

"People say I have to raise serious money to be a serious candidate but constituents I have spoken with want ways to engage and make a difference, not write another check to another candidate," Wallace said.

Wallace designed public engagement campaigns for Santa Monica, the Irvine and Hewlett foundations, OneLegacy, Donate Life and Starlight Children's Foundation, according to a biography she provided.

Wallace also worked in executive communication for the international defense tech company Raytheon. She now consults for companies on employee engagement with a program she created called "Find the Why."

Wallace served nearly four years on the Silver Lake Neighborhood Council and was outreach chair for the Venice Neighborhood Council formation committee.

Wallace received a bachelor's degree in political science from Tulane University and a master's degree in public policy from UCLA.

Gov. Jerry Brown officially submitted Becerra's name to the Legislature Tuesday to fill the vacancy as state attorney general caused by Kamala Harris' election to the Senate.

The field to replace Becerra also includes Assemblyman Jimmy Gomez, D- Los Angeles; Yolie Flores, a former Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education member; labor activist Wendy Carrillo; Sara Hernandez, a former staffer for Councilman Jose Huizar; former White House staffer Alejandra Campoverdiis; and Raymond Meza, an organizer with SEIU Local 721.

City News Service; Photo: Shutterstock