Estuardo Mazariegos and Jose Ugarte are competing for a city council seat in South Los Angeles. Both are immigrants from Latin America, having arrived in the U.S. as children without documentation. They are 40 years old, grew up in the area, and are well-known community organizers.

The upcoming election on November 3 will be historic for Council District 9, which has been led by Black council members since 1963. Despite demographic changes to a Latino majority, Black representation has persisted. Both candidates are committed to serving all constituents, including Black residents who have voiced concerns about this change.

Jose Ugarte emerged as a front-runner after securing 39% of the vote in the June primary, whereas Mazariegos obtained 26% in a field of six candidates. Ugarte, who was born in Oaxaca and is Mazateco, has spent most of his life in South Los Angeles. He aims to follow the example of his former employer and current council member, Curren Price, who is well-regarded for his alignment with both Black and Latino communities.

“I want to be a voice for Black residents in my district,” Ugarte said.

Last year, Ugarte faced a fine due to a clerical error in disclosing outside income. He agreed to pay $25,000 to the city’s Ethics Commission.

Mazariegos is the Los Angeles co-director for the Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment, advocating for low-income Black and brown communities. Born in Guatemala, he emphasizes the importance of connecting with all community sectors, including Black organizations. In his early 20s, he had a misdemeanor conviction for carrying a concealed weapon, which he believes helps him relate to those facing law enforcement issues.

Council District 9 includes landmarks like the Convention Center and USC, alongside neighborhoods affected by high poverty rates and neglect from City Hall. Residents are concerned about issues such as illegal dumping, public safety, and the lack of grocery stores. Price, ineligible for re-election due to term limits, faces corruption charges that include conflicts of interest and embezzlement.

USC professor Manuel Pastor notes ongoing political tension since demographic shifts began, emphasized by past controversies involving racist remarks by Latino council members. Concerns also arose from a proposal allowing noncitizens to vote in local elections, which is still under study.

Ugarte, supported by the L.A. County Democratic Party and Price, has raised $510,000 in campaign funds. He benefits from nearly $1 million in independent expenditures, with notable contributions from Airbnb and the California Apartment Association. Mazariegos, with endorsements from figures like Eunisses Hernandez and organizations like the Democratic Socialists of America, has raised $254,000. His campaign is also backed by United Teachers Los Angeles and his employer.

Both candidates remain active in their campaigns. Ugarte recently gained endorsements from two Black pastors. Mazariegos, attending community events, emphasizes his advocacy for tenant rights and community representation.

The upcoming election highlights the shift in political dynamics, and community organizers promise accountability. According to Ron Gochez, a local organizer, “We hope that whoever wins this race keeps working-class people and their issues on the forefront.”