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Meet the (likely) new LA City Council members
The balance of power is shifting in Los Angeles City Hall.
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Frazer Harrison
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Getty Images
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The picture of L.A.'s new city government is coming into focus. On Wednesday, L.A. City Council District 2 candidate Jillian Burgos conceded the race, making two council races — Districts 2 and 14 — officially called. In District 10, Heather Hutt remains solidly ahead of Grace Yoo and the vote trajectory is unlikely to change much.
That means we have a solid idea now of who’s joining the City Council in the next term and how that might shift its dynamics. Here are the three candidates who have claimed, or are on a path to, victory in this year’s general election:
- District 2: Adrin Nazarian
- District 10: Heather Hutt
- District 14: Ysabel Jurado
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Scott Schmerelson was unanimously elected Tuesday to lead the LAUSD board after defeating a well-funded challenger in November’s election. -
Nguyen was able to take office weeks early to fill the vacancy caused Do’s resignation. -
Nathan Hochman succeeds George Gascón, known as the godfather of progressive prosecutors.
Who are they?
From left, Adrin Nazarian, Heather Hutt and Ysabel Jurado.
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From left: Courtesy of Adrin Nazarian for City Council 2024, courtesy Heather Hutt and Alen Catolico.
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In District 2, Nazarian is a former State Labor Board member who previously served more than a decade in the state Assembly.
District 10’s Hutt is the incumbent council member for that seat. She was appointed in 2022 after Mark Ridley-Thomas, who formerly occupied that seat, was indicted on federal charges of bribery. Hutt is also chair of the Transportation Committee.
District 14’s Jurado is a tenant rights attorney and first-time candidate for elected office.
What do they stand for?
In the run-up to the election, LAist asked all the City Council candidates to share how they would have voted on recent legislation and issues under discussion. Here’s how these three compare (you can read the full questions and answers here for Nazarian, Hutt and Jurado).
How do the newcomers shift the balance of power?
With these additions, eight out of the City Council’s 15 members will be women — the first time the council has had a female majority. Jurado also adds one to the council’s progressive minority, which has supported expanded tenants rights, voted against pay increases for the L.A. Police Department and opposed arrests of unhoused people (the bloc also includes District 1’s Eunisses Hernandez, District 4’s Nithya Raman and District 13’s Hugo Soto-Martinez).
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What’s on the table in the next term
A major issue is the city’s budget. L.A. is on the brink of having to declare a fiscal emergency over rapidly shrinking reserves, departments spending over budget and millions owed in legal payouts. While the mayor is in charge of proposing the city budget, City Council members have final say over its approval. Council members may also soon be deciding whether to cap rent increases in rent-controlled units to 2% next year, following recommendations from the city housing department.
How to keep tabs on your council member
LAist will be looking at ways to better track what City Council members accomplish when they’re in office. Have thoughts or questions about what we should keep an eye on? Let me know via email or scroll down to fill out the form.
What questions do you have about this election?
You ask, and we'll answer: Whether it's about how to interpret the results or track your ballot, we're here to help you understand the 2024 general election on Nov. 5.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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