Los Angeles City Council President Nury Martinez introduced a motion, Wednesday, to have former councilman Herb Wesson fill the vacant 10th district seat left by councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas.

If confirmed by the council, Wesson will take over the 10th district seat that he held from 2005, until the end of 2020.

“With over 30 years in public service representing the residents of Council District 10, there is no better choice at this time than former Councilmember Herb Wesson,” Martinez said Wednesday. “Mr. Wesson cares deeply about the communities he represents and knows the district better than anyone. The constituents of Council District 10 need a voting member who understands their community to represent them within Council Chambers.”

Ridley-Thomas was suspended by the council in October, after a 20-count indictment for federal corruption charges stemming from an alleged bribery scheme in his time as an L.A. County supervisor. Ridley-Thomas is still awaiting trial and has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Since the suspension, Karly Katona, Ridley-Thomas’ Chief of Staff has overseen matter relating to the 10th district.

Pending a majority vote from the council, Wesson may take over the seat until December 31, 2022, unless Ridley-Thomas is acquitted or has all charges dropped at a sooner time.

“I’ve truly been blessed, and most of my blessings come from people in this district,” Wesson said on Wednesday. “My neighbors have once again called on me to serve and it is my responsibility to answer that call. I hope to do the residents of the 10th proud.”

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