Historic Race for South Los Angeles City Council Seat
Overview of the Candidates
Estuardo Mazariegos and Jose Ugarte are vying for a significant seat on the city council, representing a portion of South Los Angeles. Both candidates are Latin American immigrants who arrived in the United States as undocumented children. They are well-established community organizers dedicated to uplifting their neighborhood.
This election marks a shift for Council District 9, represented by a Black council member since 1963, despite its demographic change to a Latino majority. Both contenders aim to represent all constituents fairly, including addressing concerns from Black residents about this transition.
Jose Ugarte’s Background and Campaign
Jose Ugarte stands as the frontrunner after obtaining 39% of the vote in the primary election. Ugarte, of Mazateco descent from Oaxaca, has deep roots in South L.A., a place where he found community among Black neighbors. Ugarte previously worked as a deputy chief of staff to Curren Price, the current council member. He is determined to be a voice for Black residents and aspires to be recognized as the most supportive Latino council member for the Black community.
Ugarte faced a $25,000 fine from the city’s Ethics Commission for not disclosing outside income. He attributed this to an unintentional clerical mistake.
Estuardo Mazariegos’s Community Efforts
Estuardo Mazariegos acts as the L.A. co-director of the Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment. Raised in South L.A. after immigrating from Guatemala, his upbringing in a diverse area influences his work. Mazariegos engages various community groups, emphasizing collaboration to honor and advance the Black legacy in the district.
In the past, Mazariegos pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor for carrying a concealed weapon, an incident he sees as enhancing his empathy for district residents with similar experiences.
District 9’s Landscape and Challenges
Council District 9 includes the Convention Center, USC, and specific neighborhoods. It has the highest poverty rate in Los Angeles, and residents are concerned about illegal dumping, public safety, and inadequate grocery store access. These issues persist despite Council Member Curren Price’s efforts, who is stepping down amid corruption charges.
Political Dynamics and Endorsements
Manuel Pastor, a USC professor, explains that the district’s growing Latino population has fostered political tensions. These were highlighted by a leaked conversation among Latino council members with derogatory content, straining Black-Latino relations.
Ugarte has the backing of Price and the L.A. County Democratic Party. Conversely, Mazariegos enjoys support from the Democratic Socialists of America’s L.A. chapter and other progressive leaders.
Campaign Financing
Jose Ugarte raised $510,000 for his campaign, with additional backing of nearly $1 million in independent expenditures. Estuardo Mazariegos garnered $254,000, with supportive spending from entities like the United Teachers Los Angeles.
Community Engagement and Future Impact
Ugarte actively engages with Black church communities where he receives endorsements from prominent pastors. Mazariegos holds community fundraisers, showcasing his support from grassroots activists.
Mazariegos stresses his connection as a ‘community insider,’ voicing distrust for the established political norm. His focus includes police accountability and representation for working-class residents. Both candidates emphasize the importance of accountability, with local organizers ready to advocate for working-class needs after the election.