DEL MAR — Former Del Mar Councilwoman Crystal Crawford kicked off her campaign for the state Assembly with a meet-and-greet fundraiser June 5 at the hilltop home of longtime friend Candice Kohl.
The 2012 election will be Crawford’s second run for the 74th District seat, currently held by Republican Martin Garrick, who was first elected in 2006.
About 80 people attended the hors d’oeuvres-and-wine event, including Assemblyman Marty Block, who represents the 78th District, Del Mar Mayor Don Mosier, former Councilman Henry Abarbanel, Encinitas Councilwoman Maggie Houlihan and several area friends and residents.
With an open primary, Crawford described the local political climate as an interesting time with many moving pieces because of district boundaries being redrawn, and a vacant seat in the 74th District because of term limits.
Crawford was defeated by Garrick in the 2010 election, but said she was pleased with the initial results. Her target was to earn at least 40 percent of the vote, a mark she missed by less than 2 percent.
“I’m happy with what we did,” she said. “I’m very lucky to have so many supporters.”
Despite her allegiance to Democrats, Crawford said she wants to “represent everyone regardless of their political party.”
“We need to work together,” she said. “People are tired of the bickering and party politics. I think I’ve demonstrated that I have experience, credentials and a record of problem solving, not finger pointing.”
Crawford is the first Democrat to enter the race. Sherry Hodges of Encinitas and Escondido City Councilwoman Marie Waldron, both Republicans, have announced they will run.
A native of Louisiana, Crawford has lived in Del Mar since the 1990s. She is an attorney with Biotech Software.
Crawford retired her seat on the Del Mar City Council in 2010 after setting a perfect-attendance record during her 12 years of service, attending 497 council meetings.
The 74th District currently includes Vista, Carlsbad, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Encinitas, San Marcos, Escondido and parts of Oceanside, Rancho Santa Fe, Valley Center and San Diego.
With new boundaries being drawn, draft information could be released as early as June.
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