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IN MY OPINION – Based on my research, here’s a look at the top 10 most influential and powerful political figures shaping Los Angeles today — including city, county, state and federal leaders whose decisions, policy roles, and leadership most significantly impact governance and public life in Los Angeles (as of early 2026). Seven of the ten are women, and this demonstrates the evolving diversity and changing demographics of Los Angeles politics.
Top 10 Most Influential Political Figures in Los Angeles:
- Karen Bass – Mayor of Los Angeles
As the chief executive of the nation’s second-largest city, Bass leads city government on homelessness, public safety, budget priorities, and Olympic preparations. She’s a key public face and policymaker shaping LA’s future. The former state legislator and member of the US House of Representatives had been mentioned as a potential cabinet member for former President Joe Biden before she went on to defeat billionaire developer Rick Caruso in 2022. Many thought a rematch with Caruso was self-evident, but Caruso has bowed out, and Bass seems poised for reelection barring a challenger from her left. - Holly J. Mitchell – Los Angeles County Supervisor (2nd District)
Former chair of the powerful five-member LA County Board of Supervisors, Mitchell’s authority stretches across the largest local government in the country of some 10 million people, larger than forty states overseeing a massive budget and county services. A former state senator (2013-2020), Mitchell defeated veteran LA politico Herb Wesson for supervisor by a wide margin for years ago. - Hilda L. Solis – Los Angeles County Supervisor (1st District)
Longtime local and national figure, Solis wields influence over county programs — from public health to environmental and labor initiatives — representing tens of communities. The former Labor Secretary under President Barack Obama, She is a recipient of the JFK Profiles in Courage Award (2000). - Lindsey P. Horvath – Los Angeles County Supervisor (3rd District)
Horvath shapes policy affecting the San Fernando Valley and Westside communities, adding to the county’s collective influence on housing, transportation, and infrastructure. A former West Hollywood councilmember, she defeated Bob Hertzberg for her seat on the LA Board of Supervisors where she supported the expansion of the board as well as the creation of the position of County Executive. Horvath is originally from Ohio and a graduate of the University of Notre Dame. - Maxine Waters – U.S. Representative (California’s 43rd)
A senior member of Congress from Los Angeles with decades of national legislative experience and committee memberships, Waters brings significant federal influence on local concerns. A member of Congress since 1991, the 88-year-old liberal icon succeeded Rep. Augustus Hawkins and is well-respected within powerful political circles. She is considered a mentor to many of today's elected legislators and leaders. Waters also served in the California Assembly before moving to Congress. - Sydney Kamlager-Dove – U.S. Representative (California’s 37th)
Represents key LA districts in Congress, advocating arts, environment, and social equity issues; an influential voice on federal legislation impacting Los Angeles. She is a former member of the California Assembly (2018-21), and a member of the California Senate (20121-2022). At 53, she has elevated quickly through LA's exclusive political structure. - Isaac Bryan – California State Assemblymember (55th District)
As Assembly Majority Leader and representative of LA communities, Bryan helps drive state legislative priorities — from budget to housing — affecting Los Angeles. At 34, Bryan is now one of the younger political leaders of LA, wielding considerable power and influence in the legislature. - Eunisses Hernandez – Los Angeles City Councilmember (District 1)
A prominent progressive leader on the 15-member council, Hernandez’s influence on local policies — from criminal justice to housing — steers major city decisions. Just 30, Hernandez has been highly critical of both the LAPD and Firefighters and opposed the construction of a gondola from Union Square to Dodger Stadium. A social justice advocate, Hernandez is part of a growing number of Democratic Socialists now holding elective office on the LA City Council. - Hugo Soto-Martinez – Los Angeles City Councilmember (District 13)
Another influential councilmember, Soto-Martinez champions labor, housing and community investment, shaping key legislative outcomes at City Hall. A union organizer, Soto defeated Mitch O'Farrell in 2022 and is the only renter on the Los Angeles City Council in a city where renters far outnumber homeowners. Another open critic of the LAPD, he won with 57% of the vote four years ago and is expected to win again in 2026. - Kenneth Mejia – Los Angeles City Controller
As the city’s chief financial watchdog, Mejia has national visibility for fiscal transparency and budgetary reform, influencing how taxpayer funds are managed and disclosed. A CPA with a BS in Accounting, Mejia is a former Green Party member turned Democrat now independent after leaving the Democrats in 2025. His 62% landslide district four years ago makes him a shoo-in for reelection in 2026 as the only citywide Filipino elected official part of this new wave of young progressives now running and managing Los Angeles.
Honorable Mention:
- Los Angeles Councilmember Traci Park (11th CD) - The first term council member and attorney positioned herself in the moderate middle lane, and the face of common sense on such issues as public safety, homelessness and other quality of life concerns. A strong supporter of LAPD, Park has been a thoughtful leader on development in the coastal zone and is regarded by many as independent and putting people first. Consensus building and a solutions first agenda has guided her time on the governing body as truly non-partisan.
- US Congressman Ted Lieu - The former state legislator and candidate for California Attorney General is part of the House Democratic leadership caucus with strong ties to Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. The 56-year-old Lieu is a graduate of Georgetown and Stanford, and is a veteran retired from the United States Air Force Reserves with the rank of Colonel. Lieu will play a critical role and influence in House Democrats assuming the majority this November. A strong opponent of President Donald Trump, Lieu is positioned to be a true player in the House should Democrats regain control.
- Zev Yaroslavsky – Veteran political strategist and former LA County Supervisor (1994-2014) and LA City council member (1975-1994) whose legacy continues to influence development policy and civic debates. His political memoir, "Zev's Los Angeles, from Boyle Heights to the Halls of Power," is a must read for any political junkie on the politics of Los Angeles over the last four decades. His daughter-in-law Katy is currently representing LA's 5th council district.
- Rick Caruso – Former 2022 mayoral contender and local powerbroker whose nonprofit and possible political ambitions keep him worth watching, Caruso is a billionaire real estate developer who also chairs of the board of trustees at the University of Southern California. Caruso was previously the president of the Los Angeles Police Commission, and a member of the Board of Water and Power Commissioners. Caruso announced recently that he would not be a candidate for mayor of Los Angeles or governor of the state of California.
These leaders matter because their influence and governance matter on a series of issues such as budgets and public services, housing, homelessness, and land use, public safety and policing policy, transportation, infrastructure, and the 2028 Olympics, federal and state investment in local priorities. These particular leaders have the most direct influence on residents’ daily lives and Los Angeles’s long-term trajectory — economically, socially, and politically speaking.
(Nick Antonicello is a thirty-three-year resident of Venice who covers the deliberations of government and politics here in Los Angeles. Have a take or a tip? R-mail hm at [email protected] )
