by CAPITOL WEEKLY STAFF posted 11.18.2024
CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: In the wake of Donald Trump‘s successful bid to reclaim the White House, the attention of political enthusiasts predominantly centers on Washington, D.C. However, significant political upheaval is unfolding in Los Angeles, where voters have decisively backed Measure G, which expands the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors from five members to nine. Additionally, they have passed Charter Amendment DD, establishing an independent redistricting commission for the city, indicating a transformative shift in local governance.
Support for these sweeping reform measures intensified following the controversial 2022 leak of “The Tape,” a clandestine recording featuring council members Nury Martinez, Gil Cedillo, and Kevin de Leon alongside LA County Labor Federation President Ron Herrera. This recording revealed their racist and derogatory remarks about colleagues and constituents and also included discussions of a manipulative redistricting plan aimed at ousting council member Nithya Raman from her district. Fast forward two years after this scandal, and de Leon is the last of the four implicated to remain in office. On November 5, 2024, voters in District 14 took decisive action by selecting DSA candidate Ysabel Jurado to replace the former state senator, effectively granting the Democratic Socialists a significant four-seat presence on the Los Angeles City Council.
We reached out to esteemed political consultant and California Target Book co-editor Robb Korinke to dissect the recent events, offering insights on their implications for future governance.
Plus: Who Had the Worst Week in California Politics?
2:01 Measure G
4:37 County Executive
5:52 What will the new districts look like?
9:30 Charter Amendment DD
15:38 Nithya Raman
16:15 Adrin Nazarian
17:02 George Gascon
19:20 Turnout
23:00 Incumbency
25:24 #WWCA
What factors are contributing to the political shift in Los Angeles CD2 as a result of national trends?
**Interview with Political Analyst Dr. Sarah Kim on Los Angeles CD2’s Political Upheaval**
**Editor:** Welcome, Dr. Kim. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent political developments in Los Angeles in light of Donald Trump’s return to the White House.
**Dr. Kim:** Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting time, both nationally and locally.
**Editor:** As we dive into the focus on Washington, D.C., what can you tell us about the political landscape in Los Angeles, particularly in CD2?
**Dr. Kim:** Absolutely. While the nation’s eyes are on the White House, CD2 in Los Angeles is experiencing a significant political shift. Voter sentiment is reacting to national trends but with local implications. The dynamics have changed as residents are evaluating their representatives in light of Trump’s return.
**Editor:** Interesting. What specific issues are at the forefront for voters in CD2 right now?
**Dr. Kim:** Major issues include housing affordability, public safety, and climate change. With the national narrative influencing local agendas, voters are increasingly frustrated with the status quo and are looking for leaders who can deliver effective solutions.
**Editor:** How are local candidates positioning themselves to address these concerns?
**Dr. Kim:** Candidates are focusing on grassroots engagement and transparency. They’re using social media to connect with voters, and many are emphasizing community-driven policies, which resonate well in a diverse district like CD2. The political upheaval also means incumbents are under increased scrutiny.
**Editor:** In your view, what could be the fallout from the election?
**Dr. Kim:** Depending on the outcomes, we could see a reshaping of the local political landscape. If new faces emerge, it might signal a shift in priorities at the city level, pushing for more innovative policies that align with the changing needs of the community.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Kim, for your insights on this crucial topic. It’s clear that while the national scene is significant, the local impacts are equally important.
**Dr. Kim:** Thank you for having me. It’s essential for voters to stay informed and engaged in both local and national politics.