“Dr. Henderson is a leader in business and higher education,” Sen. Ridley-Thomas said.

“He has the skills, experience and vision that Culver City needs now. I proudly support his campaign. I urge registered voters in Culver City to cast their ballots for Dr. Henderson.

“As a longtime Culver City resident and local business owner, Luther keenly understands the needs of local business people. But unlike many others, he also comprehends the need for a balanced, sensible approach to growth citywide.

“Luther understands it is possible to create good paying jobs for Culver City residents and maintain Culver City’s unique family-focused way of life.”

Sen. Ridley-Thomas said his friendship and community work with Dr. Henderson on local quality of life issues dates back nearly 20 years, to the 1980s when the senator was executive director of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Los Angeles Chapter.

Sen. Ridley-Thomas is chair of the eight-member California Legislative Black Caucus. He chairs the Senate Committee on Business, Professions and Economic Development, Senate Subcommittee on Economy, Workforce Preparation and Development and Senate Subcommittee on Professional Sports and Entertainment.

Sen. Ridley-Thomas represents more than 800,000 residents in Los Angeles and Culver City including Baldwin Hills, Baldwin Vista, Beverlywood, Carthay Circle, Century City, the Crenshaw District, Culver City, Hancock Park, Hollywood, Hyde Park, Jefferson Park, Ladera Heights, Lafayette Square, Larchmont, Leimert Park, Los Feliz, Miracle Mile, South Central Los Angeles, View Park, West Los Angeles and Windsor Hills, among others.

He has represented South and Southwest Los Angeles for 16 years as a three-term elected member of the Los Angeles City Council (8th District), the State Assembly (48th District) and the State Senate (26th District).