Greuel wins key endorsement from Rep. Maxine Waters

Los Angeles mayoral candidate Wendy Greuel picked up the endorsement Monday of Maxine Waters, a Democratic congresswoman with substantial sway among black voters in South Los Angeles.

Waters is the latest in a succession of prominent African Americans in L.A. politics to take sides in the May 21 runoff between Greuel, the city controller, and Eric Garcetti, a city councilman.

Black voters, particularly in South L.A., are one of the biggest voting blocs up for grabs. Relatively few blacks backed Greuel or Garcetti in the March 5 primary, opting instead for City Councilwoman Jan Perry, the sole African American in the race.

L.A. ELECTIONS 2013: Sign up for our email newsletter

Greuel and Garcetti have taken turns staging public events to maximize media coverage of each of their endorsements by black political leaders. Waters is set to appear with Greuel outside City Hall on Monday morning to announce her support.

Waters joins other Greuel supporters, such as basketball superstar Magic Johnson, Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas and Bishop Charles E. Blake, the pastor of West Angeles Church of God in Christ.

Garcetti, for his part, has picked up the support of Perry and the two other black council members, Bernard Parks and Herb Wesson.

FULL COVERAGE: L.A.’s race for mayor

Both Greuel and Garcetti aggressively sought Waters’ support.

After more than 22 years in Congress, Waters remains a popular figure in South Los Angeles. Her political operation -- including mailers to voters with personal testimonials from Waters, along with a team of campaign volunteers -- can be a big help in a close race, making her support highly coveted by candidates for office at all levels of government.

ALSO:

High-wind advisory issued for Southern California

Big-rig crash, fuel spill gnarl 605 Freeway commute

Powerball sales start in California; jackpot at $60 million

michael.finnegan@latimes.com