Ugarte and Mazariegos to Vie for District 9 Seat
Los Angeles voters head to the polls on November 3 to select a new representative for the vacant City Council seat.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Elections
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Candidates Jose Ugarte and Estuardo Mazariegos are set to face off in the general election for the Los Angeles City Council District 9 seat on November 3. The seat remains open as current councilmember Curren Price is reaching his term limit.
Why it matters
The race is critical for the future of South Los Angeles as the district navigates key local challenges, including housing affordability and public safety. Voters will decide between two candidates with distinct backgrounds in local government and community advocacy.
Jose Ugarte secured 40% of the vote in the June primary, while Estuardo Mazariegos garnered 26%. The ethics commission also assessed a $25,000 fine to Ugarte regarding a failure to disclose income from a political consulting business.
The players
Jose Ugarte
He is a candidate for the District 9 seat who previously served as the deputy chief of staff for incumbent Curren Price.
Estuardo Mazariegos
He is a candidate for the District 9 seat and currently serves as the co-director of the Los Angeles chapter of the Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment.
Curren Price
He is the current Los Angeles City Councilmember for District 9 who is vacating his office due to term limits.
The details
Ugarte, who previously served as deputy chief of staff for Curren Price, is competing against Mazariegos, the co-director of the Los Angeles chapter of the Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment. Both candidates are focusing their platforms on housing affordability, constituent services, and public safety.
Timeline
The primary election took place in June 2026.
The general election is scheduled for November 3, 2026.
Political Context
This race highlights the impact of the Los Angeles municipal term limit statutes that require incumbent Curren Price to step down after his current term. Opposition groups have raised concerns regarding the disclosure failures linked to the fine assessed to Ugarte.
The outcome of this election will directly impact local regulations regarding housing and public safety initiatives in South Los Angeles. Residents should prepare for potential shifts in constituent services depending on which candidate assumes the council seat.
The takeaway
Voters in District 9 face a choice between a candidate with internal government experience and one with a background in community grassroots organizing. Residents should review the disclosure history and policy platforms of both candidates before casting their ballots.
What happens next
The general election for the Los Angeles City Council District 9 seat is scheduled for November 3, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local races in the Los Angeles Elections coverage area.
Live Poll
Should candidates for your city council seat prioritize housing affordability over other neighborhood investment needs?
