Rudy Svorinich, Jr. (born 1960) is a Republican who served on the Los Angeles City Council representing the 15th district. A native of San Pedro, his diverse district also included the communities of Watts, Wilmington, Harbor City, Harbor Gateway, and San Pedro. He was elected to the council in June 1993 (defeating 3-term incumbent Joan Milke Flores) and served two full terms until June 2001, when he left office due to term limits. One of his major accomplishments as a city councilman was securing $1.2 billion in LA City budgetary funds over an eight year period for new community facilities and programs in his district without a tax or fee increase to his constituents. The San Pedro High School Pirate Football Stadium, Warner Grand Theater purchase and preservation, Peck Park Gymnasium, Fishing Industry Memorial, the land for a new Mary Star of the Sea High School, Fire Boat Station 112, Wilmington Senior Center, Wilmington Municipal Building, Watts Civic Center, Alma Reeves Woods Watts Public Library, the Watts Cultural Crescent and the first Harbor City/Harbor Gateway Public Library were all accomplished during his tenure. Prior to being elected, Svorinich was Chief of Staff/Chief Deputy for the 51st California State Assembly District, was a small business owner and an officer in local chambers of commerce and active in many fraternal organizations.
In an attempt to return to public office, he was a candidate in the November 8, 2011, special election to replace his successor, former Councilwoman Janice Hahn, who was elected to Congress. Svorinich finished fifth in a crowded election and did not make the runoff election. LAPD Sergeant Joe Buscaino won the runoff election, defeating former Assemblyman Warren Furutani.
Svorinich served as President Pro Tempore and Assistant President Pro Tempore of the Los Angeles City Council. While on the City Council, he served as Chairman of the Transportation Committee, Housing & Community Redevelopment Committee, Administrative Services (Information Technology) and Ad Hoc Committee on Waterfront Development. He was Vice-Chairman of the Commerce, Energy and Natural Resources Committee overseeing the city Departments of Harbor, Airports and Water & Power and the Staples Center Project Oversight Committee. He was also Chairman of the Alameda Corridor Transportation Authority Board of Governors and the City of Los Angeles’ representative on the Los Angeles County Sanitation District.
Known as a fiscal conservative and social moderate, in 1996, he ran for the Republican nomination for the 36th Congressional District, but finished third in the primary election. As his second and final term was coming to a close in 2000, Svorinich made an unsuccessful bid for 54th district seat of the California State Assembly. He was the Republican Party nominee. He was succeeded in the 15th City Council District by Democrat Janice Hahn. In gratitude for his service, the Watts Community enshrined his likeness in granite on the community’s Promenade of Prominence in 2001.
In 2001, he founded Svorinich & Associates, Inc., a consulting firm. He is currently President/CEO of Svorinich Companies, Inc. a full service government affairs and advocacy firm in Palos Verdes, CA. His advocacy firm has been named a “Top Lobbying Firm” in Los Angeles County by the Los Angeles Business Journal every year since 2013 when the category was first created. He is also President of Svorinich Political Services, a political consulting and campaign management company.
Svorinich graduated from California State University Dominguez Hills with a degree in Business Administration with a major in management. He is a Roman Catholic Christian and is married with two adult children. Svorinich is also a Certified Purple Belt in the martial art of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.
