Lindsey Horvath Will Not Run for Los Angeles Mayor in 2026

The LA County Supervisor cites unfinished work at the county level as reason for not entering the mayoral race.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath announced on Friday that she will not run for mayor of Los Angeles in 2026, ending months of speculation about a potential bid. In a statement, Horvath said she decided against running after 'much prayer and many honest conversations' with her family, friends and political allies, and that she will instead continue her work at the county level.

Why it matters

Horvath's decision not to run for mayor is significant, as she was seen as a potential frontrunner and challenger to the incumbent Mayor Karen Bass. Her announcement leaves the 2026 mayoral race wide open, with over 30 potential candidates already issued papers to run.

The details

In her statement, Horvath thanked supporters who had encouraged her to enter the mayoral race, saying their outreach reflected a shared belief that Los Angeles is ready for bold, new leadership. However, Horvath argued that the work of the county is unfinished and that many of the region's most pressing challenges, including affordability, compassion in governance, and long-term resilience, extend beyond city boundaries.

  • Horvath announced her decision on Friday, February 7, 2026.
  • The deadline to file to become a candidate for Los Angeles mayor is Saturday, February 8, 2026 at noon.

The players

Lindsey Horvath

Los Angeles County Supervisor who announced she will not run for mayor of Los Angeles in 2026.

Karen Bass

The current mayor of Los Angeles, who is running for re-election in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“I've never been afraid to take on the status quo or those who protect it. That's why you elected me to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and why we have been able to bring historic change to how it works.”

— Lindsey Horvath, Los Angeles County Supervisor (nbclosangeles.com)

“The challenges facing our region do not adhere to city limits, and neither should our ambition. LA County needs leadership willing to act with urgency, work at scale, and fight for a more affordable, more compassionate, and more resilient future.”

— Lindsey Horvath, Los Angeles County Supervisor (nbclosangeles.com)

What’s next

The deadline for candidates to file to run for Los Angeles mayor is Saturday, February 8, 2026 at noon. With Horvath's announcement, the race is now wide open, with over 30 potential challengers already issued papers to run against the incumbent Mayor Karen Bass.

The takeaway

Horvath's decision not to run for mayor reflects her commitment to continuing her work at the county level, where she believes she can have the greatest impact on the region's most pressing challenges. Her announcement leaves the 2026 mayoral race in flux, with a large field of potential candidates vying to lead the city in a new direction.