Nithya Raman Addresses Environmental Justice As She Vows To Plant More Trees.

Los Angeles voters are set to participate in the June 2 primary election, casting ballots in eight of the city’s 15 City Council districts, including two races for open seats due to term limits. The most competitive and heavily financed contests include District 11, where incumbent Councilmember Traci Park faces challenger Faizah Malik. Park has raised about $1.3 million, while Malik has raised roughly $520,000, with millions more spent by independent expenditure committees. The race has centered on issues such as housing development, wildfire recovery in the Westside, and policing levels, including debates over LAPD staffing targets and the future of projects like the Venice Dell housing proposal. In District 9, six candidates are competing to replace outgoing Councilmember Curren Price, with divisions over police funding and homelessness enforcement policies such as Municipal Code 41.18. District 3 features three candidates vying for the seat being vacated by term-limited Bob Blumenfield, with a focus on housing density, public safety, and economic development, and several major endorsements shaping the race. In District 1, Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez faces four challengers who criticize her record on homelessness and public safety, while she highlights housing investments and crisis response initiatives. Other races include District 5, where Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky faces challengers over housing supply policies, and District 13, where incumbent Hugo Soto-Martínez is challenged over policing and city service strategies. District 15 features a contest between incumbent Tim McOsker and challenger Jordan River, while District 7 is uncontested, with Monica Rodriguez running unopposed. Across the city, key issues include housing affordability, homelessness policy, policing levels, and campaign fundraising disparities.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris endorsed Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass for reelection, highlighting Bass’ achievements in reducing homelessness and crime. The endorsement comes as ballots arrive in California, marking a crucial stage in the mayoral race. Despite Bass leading in polls, she faces significant voter skepticism, with 56% viewing her unfavorably due to her handling of the Palisades fire. Bass’ competitors, including City Councilmember Nithya Raman and reality TV personality Spencer Pratt, have raised more campaign funds recently, although Bass maintains a strong financial position with nearly $2.3 million already raised over two years. Harris and Bass share a long-standing professional relationship, spanning over two decades, collaborating on issues like youth homelessness and child welfare when Bass led the California Assembly and Harris was a state prosecutor. Harris also previously endorsed other California Democrats, such as Rob Bonta, Malia Cohen, and Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, for their reelection campaigns. This endorsement underscores the importance of established political alliances and experience in shaping local election outcomes.

The Los Angeles City Clerk's office said candidates may now pick up nominating petitions for mayor, city council, city controller, LAUSD and city attorney; petitions must be filed by March 4 at 5 p.m. Qualified petitions will be certified for the June 2, 2026 primary election.

Council members call for LAPD to investigate fraud allegations against signature gatherers.

Supervisor Yaroslavsky highlights low city election turnout compared to state elections.

Council votes to keep three election proposals for further discussion and public input.