Introduction to the Re-Election Bid
Progressive Los Angeles City Councilwoman Eunisses Hernandez formally launched her re-election campaign Monday with a swath of support from her colleagues at City Hall.
Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson and Councilwoman Heather Hutt supported her re-election, along with the progressive bloc of members Ysabel Jurado, Hugo Soto-Martinez and Nithya Raman, as well as Controller Kenneth Mejia. The councilwoman is expected to announce additional endorsements as part of what she called her “launch week.”
Hernandez said she intends to campaign on her “care-first vision,” and standing up for her constituents.
“Serving the people of Council District 1 is the greatest honor of my life — and I don’t take that responsibility lightly,” Hernandez said in a statement. “Every decision I make is rooted in the belief that the people closest to the problem are closest to the solution.”
Support from Colleagues
Harris-Dawson described Hernandez as an “incredible partner,” pointing to her partnership in revitalizing MacArthur Park and expanding unarmed crisis response.
“I’ve seen firsthand her ability to turn bold ideas into action and get things done,” Harris-Dawson said in a statement. “I look forward to continuing to collaborate with Council member Hernandez in City Hall and I am proud to endorse her for her re-election to Council District 1.”
Hernandez’s campaign touted the councilwoman’s accomplishments such as supporting stronger tenant protections, securing more than $25 million in improvements for MacArthur Park, and co-authoring L.A.’s “sanctuary city” ordinance, among other things.
An official campaign launch is scheduled for Saturday afternoon in Highland Park, with additional details to be released.
Background and Challenge
Voters elected Hernandez in 2022, replacing Democrat Gil Cedillo, who represented the area from 2013 to 2022.
Cedillo faced calls to resign alongside former council members Kevin de Leon and Nury Martinez, and former Los Angeles County Federation of Labor President Ron Herrera, for their participation in a secretly recorded conversation in which racist and derogatory comments were made. The civic leaders discussed ways to undermine and manipulate the city’s redistricting process — a method used to establish council district boundaries every 10 years following the U.S. Census to reflect population changes and ensure fair representation.
The First Council District encompasses northeast and northwest L.A. neighborhoods such as Glassell Park, Highland Park, Chinatown, Mount Washington, Echo Park, Pico Union, Lincoln Heights and MacArthur Park.
Raul Claros, founder of the CD1 Coalition, previously announced he will challenge Hernandez for her seat on the City Council.
“I am running for Los Angeles City Council District 1 because I believe in the power of homegrown leadership,” Claros said in a statement announcing his campaign. “I cannot stand by and watch as our current representative fails to stand up for us.”
Claros, a former member of L.A.’s Affordable Housing Commission, has publicly criticized Hernandez for her “failures,” citing her stance on policing, as well as her efforts to address homelessness and keeping the district safe.
Hernandez may face additional challengers ahead of the June 2, 2026, election.
Conclusion
Hernandez’s re-election bid marks an important moment for the First Council District, with the councilwoman seeking to continue her work based on a "care-first vision" and her record of accomplishments. The challenge from Raul Claros and potential other candidates ensures a competitive race that will focus on key issues such as policing, homelessness, and community development.
FAQs
- Q: When did Councilwoman Eunisses Hernandez launch her re-election campaign?
A: Councilwoman Eunisses Hernandez launched her re-election campaign on Monday, May 12, 2025. - Q: Who is challenging Councilwoman Hernandez for her seat?
A: Raul Claros, founder of the CD1 Coalition, has announced his candidacy to challenge Hernandez. - Q: What are some of the key issues expected to be discussed during the campaign?
A: Key issues include policing, homelessness, tenant protections, and community development within the First Council District. - Q: When is the election for the First Council District seat?
A: The election is scheduled for June 2, 2026.
