News Summary
Mike Newhouse, a land-use attorney and small business owner, has announced his candidacy for the California 24th Senate District seat, which will be available due to term limits in the upcoming election. Aiming to represent a diverse coastal district, Newhouse promotes a centrist approach and has over two decades of experience in housing and environmental law. He emphasizes practical solutions to the housing crisis, homelessness, and public safety, seeking to bring common-sense policymaking to Sacramento.
Venice, CA – Mike Newhouse, a land-use attorney and small business owner, has announced his candidacy for California’s 24th Senate District seat, which will be available due to term limits in the 2026 election. As a Democrat, Newhouse aims to represent a diverse coastal district encompassing areas from Venice and West L.A. to Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, and the Beach Cities, extending to Calabasas and Agoura Hills.
Identifying as a centrist and solutions-oriented candidate, Newhouse emphasizes the importance of results over strict ideological beliefs. He has more than two decades of experience in housing, environmental law, and city planning, enhancing his qualifications for this role. His past positions include serving as vice president of the Los Angeles City Planning Commission and president of the Venice Neighborhood Council. Currently, he operates a private law practice advocating for projects that align with community needs and regulatory guidelines.
Newhouse highlights his significant role in developing and adopting a new adaptive reuse ordinance in Los Angeles. This ordinance aims to convert underused commercial properties into viable housing options, contributing to addressing the housing crisis in the region. He advocates for a tailored and infrastructure-supported approach to housing development rather than broad, sweeping density increases that may not fit the community’s character or needs.
Critically, he has expressed concerns regarding the state’s legislative measures, such as Senate Bill 9, which he believes promote inappropriate density in high-risk environments like fire zones and quiet residential neighborhoods. Newhouse argues that the current regulatory framework has led to significant delays in building permits exacerbating the ongoing housing shortage, further highlighting the necessity for streamlined processes to facilitate timely construction.
A staunch advocate for environmental protection, especially along the California coast, Newhouse has experience working alongside environmental nonprofit organizations and in understanding Coastal Act law. He acknowledges the importance of infrastructure improvements in high-risk coastal regions, particularly in light of previous incidents of fires and evacuations in Malibu and Pacific Palisades.
In addressing homelessness, Newhouse proposes a dual strategy that combines expanded services and shelter with the enforcement of anti-camping laws, particularly California’s law 41.18. He contends that permitting indefinite street camping impedes progress in tackling the homelessness crisis, suggesting that a balanced approach is critical for effective intervention.
Public safety is another area of concern for Newhouse, who stresses the need for more firefighters and police personnel, as well as infrastructure repairs that are vital to ensuring prompt response times during emergencies.
Newhouse aims to bring practical, common-sense policymaking to Sacramento, distancing his perspective from partisan divides. His commitment to public service is deeply personal; growing up in circumstances impacted by mental illness, addiction, and poverty has driven his passion for helping working families struggling in today’s economy.
Married and a father of two, Newhouse views his candidacy as both a calling and a responsibility. His campaign is focused on addressing pressing local issues while ensuring the district’s diverse needs are met. Interested parties can find more information about his campaign and platform at Newhouse4CA.com.
As the political landscape in California continues to evolve, Newhouse’s candidacy is poised to contribute to discussions on housing, environmental conservation, and public policy in the years leading up to the 2026 election.
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Additional Resources
- Beverly Hills Courier: Brian Goldsmith Enters State Senate Race
- Google Search: California State Senate
- Daily News: Race for 24th District Seat Heats Up
- Wikipedia: California State Senate
- WeHo Times: John Erickson Launches Bid for Senate
- Encyclopedia Britannica: California Senate
- Santa Monica Daily Press: Sion Roy Enters Senate Race
- Google News: California Senate Election
