The 2026 Los Angeles mayoral election is now taking shape, with the nonpartisan primary scheduled for June 2, 2026, and a general runoff slated for November 3, 2026 if no candidate exceeds 50 percent of the vote in the primary. Municipal elections in California do not list party affiliation on the ballot, even though candidates may have partisan backgrounds.
Incumbent and Major Campaign Launches
Mayor Karen Bass formally kicked off her reelection campaign in December 2025 with a rally emphasizing safety and affordability, framing her bid around continuity and progress on core city issues.
Bass, first elected in 2022, faces a large and diverse challenger field amid public criticism over city responses to major issues including the January 2025 wildfire season.
Declared Candidates and Field Overview
According to the latest candidate lists and official filings, at least 22 candidates are registered for the mayoral contest. The list includes several prominent figures alongside numerous lesser-known entrants.
Declared and Confirmed Candidates:
- Karen Bass (incumbent mayor) — running for a second term.
- Austin Beutner — former superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District and former deputy mayor, running as a challenger focused on leadership and accountability.
- Rae Chen Huang — housing advocate and deputy director of Housing Now California, emphasizing affordability and transit access; if elected, would be Los Angeles’s first Asian-American mayor.
- Spencer Pratt — reality TV personality whose home burned in the Palisades wildfire; he launched his bid at a wildfire anniversary event, positioning his campaign around accountability and systemic reform.
- Asaad Alnajjar — longtime city engineer and local council figure, aiming to bring technical and infrastructure experience to the mayor’s office.
- Vincent Wali — musician and lesser-profile candidate who has filed paperwork to enter the race.
- Tish Hyman — Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and women’s safety activist who announced her candidacy on January 15, 2026, under the slogan “UNITE IN TRUTH.”
In addition to these, local election data show roughly 15–17 additional candidates registered with the Los Angeles City Ethics Commission, many of whom have limited public profiles or campaign activity to date.
Notable Potential Entrants
Former mayoral runner-up and real estate developer Rick Caruso has publicly expressed interest in running again but has not filed official paperwork as of mid-January 2026. A potential Caruso candidacy remains a key storyline, as it could reshape the dynamics of the race.
Key Issues Driving the Campaign
Campaign discourse in early 2026 is shaped by several persistent voter concerns:
- Wildfire Response and Climate Preparedness: Repeated wildfires, particularly the January 2025 Palisades fire that destroyed thousands of homes, have become central topics, with several challengers criticizing city leadership on readiness and emergency response.
- Housing and Affordability: With escalating housing costs and ongoing homelessness challenges, candidates like Huang are pushing for more aggressive affordability and tenant-protection policies.
- Public Safety and City Services: Debates over policing, budget priorities, and basic city services remain prominent in candidate messaging. Observers note that Bass is stressing her record on public safety staffing and affordability, while opponents call for new direction and accountability.
What’s Next
With candidate filings complete and primary season approaching, the race will likely focus increasingly on fundraising, endorsements, and voter outreach through the spring. The June 2 primary will determine the top two vote-getters who advance to the November runoff if no candidate secures a majority.
Election Desk will continue monitoring developments, including fundraising reports, polling, and any additional entries into the mayoral field.
Election Desk 
Leave a comment