The 2026 Los Angeles mayoral election will determine who leads the nation's second-largest city for a four-year term beginning in December 2026. The election is scheduled for March 3, 2026, with a potential runoff on November 3, 2026, if no candidate receives a majority of votes. This election follows the 2022 contest where Karen Bass became the first woman elected mayor of Los Angeles, defeating billionaire developer Rick Caruso. The 2026 race will test whether Bass can secure a second term or if challengers will emerge to address persistent issues like homelessness, housing affordability, public safety, and municipal governance. Political observers are already speculating about potential candidates, with early attention focused on whether Bass will seek reelection, if Caruso will mount another campaign, and which city council members or county supervisors might enter the race. The election occurs against the backdrop of Los Angeles preparing to host the 2028 Summer Olympics, giving the next mayor responsibility for overseeing final preparations for the global event. Voter turnout patterns, campaign financing, and shifting demographic coalitions will shape the competitive landscape. The outcome will influence policy direction for a city of nearly 4 million residents with a $12 billion annual budget.

Historical Context

Los Angeles mayoral elections have followed a nonpartisan primary system since 1909, with the top two vote-getters advancing to a general election if no candidate receives a majority. The mayor serves a four-year term with a two-term limit established by a 1993 charter amendment. Historically, Los Angeles had relatively few competitive mayoral races, with incumbents typically winning reelection. Tom Bradley served five terms from 1973 to 1993, becoming the city's first Black mayor. The 2001 election saw James Hahn defeat Antonio Villaraigosa, who then defeated Hahn in 2005 to become the first Latino mayor of Los Angeles in over 130 years. Eric Garcetti served two terms from 2013 to 2022, overseeing the city's preparation for the 2028 Olympics and navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2022 election was notable for several reasons. It was the first open seat race in a decade, attracted record campaign spending exceeding $120 million, and featured the first woman elected mayor. Karen Bass won with 53% of the vote against Rick Caruso's 46% in the November runoff. Turnout was 42.9% of registered voters, slightly higher than the 41% turnout in the 2017 mayoral election but lower than the 48% in 2013. The election demonstrated shifting political dynamics, with Bass carrying traditionally progressive areas while Caruso performed well in the San Fernando Valley and more conservative neighborhoods.

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