Candidates File for L.A. City Elections

Races for city attorney, city controller, city council, and school board seats will be contested in June primary

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Candidates arrived at the City Clerk's Office last week to file paperwork to run for city attorney, city controller, eight City Council seats and two L.A. Unified school board seats in the upcoming June 2 primary election. Some races, like the marquee mayoral contest, have already generated plenty of drama, while others will see challengers try to unseat incumbent officeholders.

Why it matters

The upcoming L.A. city elections will determine the leadership and direction of the city on key issues like public safety, economic development, education, and more. With a number of open seats and incumbent challenges, the elections could bring significant change to City Hall and the school board.

The details

In the city attorney race, incumbent Hydee Feldstein Soto faces three challengers - deputy attorney general Marissa Roy, human rights attorney Aida Ashouri, and Deputy Dist. Atty. John McKinney. City Controller Kenneth Mejia has one opponent, Zach Sokoloff, after former State Sen. Isadore Hall dropped out. Eight candidates are running to replace termed-out City Councilmember Bob Blumenfield in District 3, while 12 are vying for the open District 9 seat being vacated by Curren Price, who is facing public corruption charges. In five other council districts, challengers will try to unseat incumbents. Three LAUSD school board members will also defend their seats.

  • Candidates filed paperwork to run last week.
  • The June 2 primary election will determine the top two finishers in each race.
  • Candidates must gather 500 legitimate voter signatures by March 4 to get on the ballot.

The players

Hydee Feldstein Soto

The incumbent city attorney facing three challengers.

Kenneth Mejia

The incumbent city controller with one opponent.

Bob Blumenfield

The termed-out City Councilmember in District 3, leaving the field open.

Curren Price

The City Councilmember in District 9 who is facing public corruption charges and will not be running for re-election.

Eunisses Hernandez

The City Councilmember in District 1 who is being challenged by eight opponents.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.