Jose UgarteCandidate

Jose Ugarte

City CouncilDemocrat

CA-LA City Council District 9 City Council

Mexican (Oaxacan)·Deputy Chief of Staff to LA City Councilmember Curren Price (7+ years)

Why This Race Matters

Jose Ugarte is running against Estuardo Mazariegos, Elmer Roldan, Jorge Nuno, Chris Martin, and others (6 candidates total).

Historic race - if elected, Ugarte would be first Latino in 60+ years to represent CD9 where Latinos are now 2/3 of population

Term-limited incumbent Curren Price has endorsed Ugarte. District 9 covers South Central LA including areas around USC. Six candidates running; Ugarte is clear frontrunner in fundraising.

Key dates to watch: Primary on June 2, 2026 and General Election on November 3, 2026.

About

Immigrant from Oaxaca, Mexico who came to Los Angeles with his family seeking economic opportunity. Has spent over a decade serving South Central Los Angeles as a community organizer and public servant. Currently serves as deputy chief of staff to outgoing Councilmember Curren Price, where he focuses on intergovernmental relations, labor issues, and quality of life improvements for the primarily African American and Latino residents of District 9. If elected, would become the first Latino in more than 60 years to represent Council District 9, where Latinos now make up over two-thirds of the population.

Family & Heritage

Immigrant from Oaxaca, Mexico. Came to Los Angeles with his family seeking economic opportunity. Now a husband and father raising his family in South Central Los Angeles. Maintains strong ties to his immigrant heritage and never forgets his roots as he fights for immigrant communities.

Political Career

Before Politics

Founder of Ugarte & Associates, a lobbying and political consulting firm based in Southern California (co-owned with his sister, formed in 2018). Clients have included Speaker of the California State Assembly, General Motors, Postmates, and Equality California. Political consultant for campaigns of Curren Price, Anthony Rendon, Mike Fong, and Miguel Santiago. Prior to founding his firm, served as Special Assistant to Assembly Member Anthony Rendon, overseeing the cities of Paramount, Bell, and Hawaiian Gardens.

Education

Los Angeles Public Schools

Key Issues & Priorities

*Affordable housing and addressing homelessness
*Expanding access to public parks and green spaces
*Creating local jobs and expanding job pipelines
*Raising wages for working families
*Reimagining public safety
*Fighting for immigrant and low-income communities
*Public transportation advocacy
*Economic development for South Central LA

Endorsements

Civil Rights Leader Dolores Huerta (Co-Founder of United Farm Workers)
Congressman Jimmy Gomez
County Supervisor Hilda Solis
Former Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa
Speaker Emeritus Anthony Rendon
City Councilmember Curren Price (incumbent)
City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto
State Senators Steve Bradford
Vanessa Delgado
Isadore Hall II
Richard Polanco (all retired)
Assembly Members Jose Solache
Mike Gipson
Mark Gonzalez
Michelle Rodriguez
Mike Fong
Jessica Caloza
Rick Chavez Zbur
Avelino Valencia
Esmeralda Soria
15+ labor unions including pipe trades
iron workers
painters
electrical workers
longshoremen
steelworkers
food/commercial workers locals
LA County Young Democrats
South Central LA Democratic Club
Chicano Latino Immigrant Democratic Club

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