Lynda P. Johnson Becomes First Filipina Mayor of Cerritos

Cerritos City Council also appoints Mark E. Pulido as mayor pro tem

Apr. 11, 2026 at 12:54am

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A warm, cinematic painting of a government building with a distinctive architectural style, bathed in diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of civic pride and community.The selection of Lynda P. Johnson as Cerritos' first Filipina mayor and Mark E. Pulido as mayor pro tem marks a new chapter of diverse leadership for the city.Cerritos Today

The Cerritos City Council has selected Lynda P. Johnson as the city's new mayor, making her the first Filipina to hold the position. The council also appointed Mark E. Pulido, the city's first Filipino American mayor, as mayor pro tem. Johnson and Pulido join a diverse city council that includes Jennifer Hong, Sophia M. Tse, and Frank Aurelio Yokoyama.

Why it matters

Cerritos has marked several milestones in recent years, including becoming the city's first all-Asian American City Council and its first majority-female governing body. Johnson's appointment as the first Filipina mayor continues this trend of increasing diversity and representation in Cerritos' local government.

The details

Johnson, a Cerritos resident since 1971, has a long history of public service in Los Angeles County, including 20 years as a paralegal in the District Attorney's Office and a stint as a field deputy to the LA County Sheriff. She previously served on the ABC Unified School District Board of Education and was elected to the Cerritos City Council in 2022. Pulido, who is also Filipino American, was first elected to the Cerritos City Council in 2011 and served as mayor in 2014 and 2018, making him the city's first Filipino American mayor.

  • Lynda P. Johnson was selected as mayor on April 8, 2026.
  • Mark E. Pulido was appointed as mayor pro tem on April 8, 2026.

The players

Lynda P. Johnson

The newly appointed mayor of Cerritos, California, and the first Filipina to hold the position. Johnson has a long history of public service in Los Angeles County.

Mark E. Pulido

The newly appointed mayor pro tem of Cerritos, California, and the city's first Filipino American mayor, having previously served in that role in 2014 and 2018.

Jennifer Hong

A member of the Cerritos City Council.

Sophia M. Tse

A member of the Cerritos City Council.

Frank Aurelio Yokoyama

The outgoing mayor of Cerritos, whose term was focused on public safety initiatives and civic engagement.

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What they’re saying

“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as the first Filipina Mayor of my hometown.”

— Lynda P. Johnson, Mayor of Cerritos

What’s next

The newly configured Cerritos City Council leadership team will oversee policy direction, budget planning, and city programs for the 2026-2027 term.

The takeaway

Cerritos' selection of Lynda P. Johnson as its first Filipina mayor and Mark E. Pulido as mayor pro tem reflects the city's ongoing commitment to increasing diversity and representation in its local government, building on recent milestones such as becoming the first all-Asian American City Council and majority-female governing body.