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Costa Mesa leaders back Curry

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Several Costa Mesa leaders have endorsed Newport Beach Councilman Keith Curry for Assembly.

Curry is running to replace 74th District Assemblyman Allan Mansoor (R-Costa Mesa) as he vies for an Orange County supervisorial seat.

Announced Tuesday were the endorsements of Costa Mesa Sanitary District Director Arlene Schafer, longtime youth sports advocate Jack Hammett and Costa Mesa City Councilman Gary Monahan — each of whom has also served as Costa Mesa’s mayor, a news release said.

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Costa Mesa Police Chief Tom Gazsi and Vanguard University President Michael Beals also threw their support behind Curry, according to the release.

Hammett said in a statement that Curry would make a “responsible and responsive representative” for Costa Mesa.

Curry said in a statement that he is “humbled and honored” to have the support, adding that he considered Hammett an American hero for his military service during World War II. He called Gazsi a “longtime friend” whose vision of public safety he deeply respects.

“I will work to represent the entire Costa Mesa community and to make sure the state is a partner again in improving our quality of life,” Curry said. “My daughter and son-in-law are Costa Mesa residents, and I greatly look forward to representing this great city.”

Curry’s son-in-law, Tony Capitelli, is running for Costa Mesa City Council.

Meanwhile, Mansoor — another former Costa Mesa mayor — and current Mayor Jim Righeimer have backed Huntington Beach Mayor Matthew Harper for the Assembly seat.

The 74th District encompasses Costa Mesa, as well as all or parts of Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Laguna Woods, Irvine and Huntington Beach.

Also in the running are businesswoman and community activist Karina Onofre; Emanuel Patrascu, district director for Assemblyman Travis Allen (R-Huntington Beach); and educator and journalist Anila Ali of Irvine.

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