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WESTSIDE - In the heart of Venice at the iconic Lantern House on Millwood, some 200 or so well-wishers of Mike Newhouse included local business owners, community leaders, political activists and government officials in his bid to succeed the term-limited Ben Allen in the state senate in Sacramento.
Surrounded by family members, friends and longtime political supporters, the campaign received its first major endorsement by Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal, who attended Cornell University with the candidate's wife.
"I'm proud to stand with Mike Newhouse. The state needs him. We need Mike because he brings people together," offered the lower house legislator.
The Long Beach based Democrat noted that campaigns are about momentum, and he expects a crowded field for the party's nomination and endorsement.
Lowenthal, a business executive currently serving as a member of the California State Assembly, representing the 69th district, which encompasses Long Beach, Signal Hill, and parts of Carson. He is the son of Alan and Bonnie Lowenthal, both of whom have held political office in the region.
Before entering politics, Lowenthal had a successful career in business, including roles as a teacher and as a business owner in the tech and telecom sectors. He first ran for the State Assembly in 2018 in the 72nd district but was narrowly defeated. He successfully ran again in 2022 for the newly redrawn 69th district, defeating Long Beach City Councilmember Al Austin in the general election. In December 2024, he was appointed Speaker pro tempore of the California State Assembly.
Lowenthal has focused on issues such as digital privacy, introducing legislation to enhance consumer protections, and advocating for regulations to mitigate the negative impacts of social media on mental health. He also emphasizes community engagement.
Newhouse thanked his wife and family for their support in this effort to change the course of California.
"We're the fifth largest economy in the world. Our values need to reflect the conditions that many are struggling with in these tough times. I'm a small business owner. We need to enable small business growth, make it easy to start a business so we can create new jobs."
As Vice-president of the Los Angeles Planning Commission he pointed to policies that were "green lighting" housing and filling urban spaces with readapting housing initiatives.
Newhouse committed to being an environmental voice in Sacramento, calling for more infrastructure investment such as street scape, and policies that will lead to less cars on our roads.
"California is getting old," and LA doesn't work the way it used to. Newhouse looked forward to being part of the rebuilding process in the Pacific Palisades, while tackling homelessness effectively.
"People can no longer get sick and die on our streets," and Newhouse called for "care courts" to assist in getting individuals the help they need to change their lives.
"The refusal of care by those unhoused is not part of any long-term solution. We need to enforce existing laws on the books," offered the father of two school-age sons.
Newhouse is a seasoned attorney, dedicated community leader, and active participant in Los Angeles' civic life.
A homeowner in Venice for some 25 years with his wife, Ruthie, and their two sons, Holden and Dylan, he has significantly contributed to local organizations and initiatives. Professionally, Newhouse serves as the Managing Shareholder of Newhouse Law Group, PC, specializing in real estate, land use, planning, and environmental law with his wife Ruthie, also an attorney.
Appointed to the Los Angeles Planning Commission, he currently serves as Vice-President. He also served as a member of the West Los Angeles Area Planning Commission and as President from 2017-2022.
A former two-term president of the Venice Neighborhood Council, Newhouse was a consensus builder and recognized local community force for the neighborhood.
In 2022, he ran for the Los Angeles City Council to represent District 11 and beyond his professional and civic duties, he is a passionate musician, playing bass and guitar for The Potential Suitors, a Los Angeles-based Blues Country-Punk band.
The event ended with Newhouse fielding questions from the audience and thanking his strong support in Venice as a foundation of the campaign's viability.
(Nick Antonicello is a thirty-two-year resident of the neighborhood and covers all things, Venice. Have a take or a tip? Contact him via e-mail at [email protected].)
