On the heels of the announcement that Democratic state Sen. Isadore Hall will launch a campaign for the 44th Congressional District, speculation is looming that perhaps Hawthorne Mayor Chris Brown will make a bid at the Senate in 2016.

Mr. Brown scoffed at such innuendo when asked about the prospects.

“At this moment, I’m currently focused on my re-election for Mayor for the City of Hawthorne,” he said. “I’m looking forward to all the new, exciting projects going on in Hawthorne. I am making sure all my goals here are accomplished before I seek higher office.”

Mr. Brown’s name has been prominent in conversations during the past week.

Sources have indicated that he has been contacted by elected officials within the 35th Senate District, including labor unions, as well as individuals in the business community in Sacramento about a possible run.

However, Mr. Brown continues to point to his re-election campaign for the City of Hawthorne.

“At this moment, I’m currently focused on my re-election,” he said, not completely ruling out the possibility.

The filing period for Senate doesn’t begin until next February giving the progressive Mr. Brown ample time to reconsider.
There are obvious reasons for his appeal in Sacramento.

During his short time in Hawthorne, Mr. Brown revitalized the city, opening as many as 15 new businesses. He has overseen completion of massive infrastructure on Hawthorne Boulevard.

Additionally, one of Mr. Brown’s lofty goals is to reopen the Hawthorne Mall, a project that would bring 5,000 jobs to the community.

Among his major achievements, Mr. Brown slashed Hawthorne’s $6.8 million deficit, and the city is operating in the black for the first time in six years.

Two burning questions are:

• Will Mr. Brown continue to transform Hawthorne?
• Or will he aim to make a larger impact on constituents in Sacramento?