LOS ANGELES — Ailing former state Assemblymember Sebastian Ridley-Thomas, the son of Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, will be succeeded by Sydney Kamlager-Dove, who garnered nearly 65 percent of the vote in a special April 3 election.

The 54th District seat was left vacant by Ridley-Thomas who is now focusing on his health. Kamlager beat out three other candidates, one Republican, and two Democrats. Kamlager said her previous experience will allow her to “hit the ground running” as she picks up where the former legislator left off.

“As a policymaker and as a district director, I have the experience,” Kamlager told reporters during her campaign. “I know how the state works. I have working relationships with other decision makers, stakeholders, and community advocates. Many of the policies that I have championed are now in effect throughout the state.”

Kamlager currently serves as a Trustee for the Los Angeles Community College District, the largest community college district in the nation. She will resign this seat upon taking office in the state assembly.

Kamlager formerly worked at the Social and Public Art Resource Center (SPARC) in Venice, Calif., where she programmed public art programs throughout the city’s 15 council districts.