Five candidates running for Assembly

The filing deadline has passed for the 74th Assembly District candidates, setting the stage for a run between five contenders in the June 3 primary.

Irvine community activist Anila Ali, Newport Beach Councilman Keith Curry, Huntington Beach Mayor Matthew Harper, small business owner Karina Onofre and Assemblyman Travis Allen’s district director, Emanuel Patrascu, will face off for the seat currently occupied by Allan Mansoor.

All but Ali submitted candidacy statements.

Curry emphasized principles of determination and faith, highlighted his past experience managing the Newport Beach budget and explained that he believes decisions like fire rings and toll roads should be made by local elected officials.

Raised and educated in Orange County, Harper stated his belief that residents are overtaxed and deserving of a better education system.

Onofre wrote that she wishes to provide a different voice from those in the “Good Old Boys Club” in order to help create more jobs and provide better access to education.

If he iselected, Patrascu promised not to raise taxes, to fight against the high-speed rail and to keep the fire rings — all part of an effort to “clean up the mess the politicians have made,” he wrote.

First elected to the Assembly in 2010 and re-elected in 2012, Mansoor is seeking a seat on the Orange County Board of Supervisors rather than running for a third term representing the 74th Assembly district. A Republican, he previously served as mayor of Costa Mesa.

The district includes Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Laguna Beach, Laguna Woods and Newport Beach.