 Lara was a candidate for the Assembly in 2008, seeking the Democratic nomination in the Los Angeles-based 46th district.He faced a number of well-connected challengers, including John Pérez, the cousin of Los Angeles mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.Following a meeting at Getty House, Villaraigosa's official residence, Pérez became the consensus candidate and the other candidates, including Lara, dropped their campaigns.