The Most Important 2026 LA Political Race You Haven't Heard About

County Supervisor Races Shape Daily Life in Los Angeles, But Often Fly Under the Radar

Mar. 30, 2026 at 12:27am

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Most people in Los Angeles County can name the mayor of LA, but fewer can name their county supervisor — the office for which the author is running in 2026. While the spotlight is often on high-profile city races, the real power that shapes daily life across this region sits with the LA County Board of Supervisors, which controls a massive $50 billion budget and has authority that stretches far beyond city lines.

Why it matters

The decisions made at the LA County level influence 88 cities and vast unincorporated areas, places where residents rely entirely on county services for everything from policing to road maintenance. Yet, despite that reach, the supervisor's race is consistently overlooked, creating a dangerous dynamic of power without scrutiny. When voters don't fully understand the authority of this role, accountability weakens, and policies can be implemented without meaningful public input.

The details

The county plays a major role in funding and oversight for the Sheriff's Department, jails, and alternative diversion programs, as well as in addressing homelessness and disaster preparedness and recovery. These are life-impacting responsibilities, but the average voter often doesn't know what a county supervisor does. This disconnect means the system doesn't feel pressure to perform, even though the supervisor's office has the ability to shape policy, direct funding, and oversee departments that touch nearly every aspect of daily life.

  • The author is running for LA County Supervisor in the 3rd district in 2026.

The players

Tonia Arey

A candidate for LA County Supervisor in the 3rd district, covering much of the northwestern portion of the county.

LA County Board of Supervisors

The governing body of Los Angeles County, which controls a massive $50 billion budget and has authority that stretches far beyond city lines.

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What they’re saying

“Because if you want safer communities, effective homelessness solutions, stronger support for small businesses, and a government that is actually accountable, then the race for county supervisor is too important to ignore.”

— Tonia Arey, Candidate for LA County Supervisor

What’s next

The author is running for LA County Supervisor in the 3rd district in 2026, and is using this article to raise awareness about the importance of the county supervisor role and encourage voters to pay closer attention to this race.

The takeaway

This case highlights the significant impact that county-level politics can have on residents' daily lives, from public safety and homelessness to small business support and disaster response. Yet, these races often fly under the radar, allowing power to be wielded without proper scrutiny or accountability. Engaging voters and raising awareness about the county supervisor's role is crucial for ensuring responsive, effective governance that truly serves the needs of the community.