District 9 Faces First Primary Without Black Candidate in 60 Years

Six candidates qualified for L.A.'s District 9 primary — none Black, reflecting decades of demographic change in South L.A.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 11:43pm

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For the first time in roughly 60 years, Los Angeles City Council District 9 is heading into the June 2 primary without a single Black candidate on the ballot. Six contenders qualified to run, in a seat that has been held by Black councilmembers ever since Gilbert Lindsay won it in 1963. The absence of Black candidates is raising concern in South L.A., as the district's demographics have shifted dramatically over the decades from majority Black to majority Latino.

Why it matters

The lack of a Black candidate on the ballot reflects the changing demographics of South L.A., which was once a predominantly Black community but is now roughly 78% Latino and 13% Black. This shift raises questions about the future of Black political power in the city, as the 'story of Black political power in the city of Los Angeles is dying,' according to one candidate who did not qualify.

The details

Six candidates qualified for the District 9 primary ballot: Estuardo Mazariegos, Elmer Roldan, Jorge Hernández Rosas, Jorge Nuño, Martha Sánchez and Jose Ugarte. Two other candidates, Chris Martin and Michelle Washington, did not qualify due to insufficient signatures, though Martin plans to challenge that finding in court. The absence of a Black candidate is a stark contrast to the district's history, which has been represented by Black councilmembers since 1963.

  • The June 2 primary election is the first time in roughly 60 years that District 9 will not have a Black candidate on the ballot.
  • Voters must register by May 18 to receive a vote-by-mail ballot for the primary election.
  • The primary election is set for June 2, and Los Angeles County is scheduled to certify the results by July 2.
  • If no candidate wins more than 50% of the vote, the top two finishers will move on to the Nov. 3 general election.
  • Newly elected councilmembers are slated to take office in mid-December, giving the next District 9 representative only a short runway to transition into the job.

The players

Estuardo Mazariegos

One of six candidates who qualified for the District 9 primary ballot.

Elmer Roldan

One of six candidates who qualified for the District 9 primary ballot, and has secured support from Mayor Karen Bass and City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson.

Jose Ugarte

A top fundraiser in the race and a deputy to current District 9 Councilmember Curren Price, who has endorsed Ugarte.

Chris Martin

A candidate who did not qualify for the ballot due to insufficient signatures, but plans to challenge the finding in court.

Manuel Pastor

A USC sociologist who argues that any successful officeholder will have to 'weave together both populations' - Latino and Black voters - to govern the changing district.

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What they’re saying

“The story of Black political power in the city of Los Angeles is dying.”

— Chris Martin, Candidate

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

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery employee

What’s next

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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.