Over 100 supporters came out to 41st Assembly candidate Michael Cacciotti's campaign party at a local home Tuesday night.
Cacciotti is Mayor of South Pasadena, and had a slew of endorsements from Sierra Madre political figures, including Mayor Josh Moran, Mayor Pro Tem Nancy Walsh, , former Mayor Kurt Zimmerman and former Mayor Enid Joffe.
Among attendees at the part were State Controller John Chaing.
"This state is in desperate need of extraordinary leadership," Chaing told the crowd. "People who can bring together people of different views based on integrity, based on a vision of what is best for California, and Michael you represent that."
But this wasn't enough to win him a spot on the November election ballot. and took in the most votes Tuesday.
"Unfortunately things happen behind the scenes where a machine backs a certain party," Cacciotti told supporters Tuesday, alluding to Holden's many endorsements.
residents were disheartened by the first batch of results Tuesday night.
"Cacciotti was the obvious choice. He's an accomplished litigator, with a great track record here in South Pasadena, and is the only one with the gumption to come out against the 710 diesel disaster tunnel extension," one commenter wrote.
Some speculated that joining the race split up Democrat votes, leaving Cacciotti at a disadvantage.
Cacciotti, , says he is the only candidate who canvassed door to door in every district city.
As for his future political aspirations, he said: "I am very happy with my current position, and my public service as Mayor of South Pasadena."
Patch Asks: Check out our video footage from the campaign party. Who did you vote for, and why?
