Nelson Grande Los Angeles City Council District 1 campaign reflects a grassroots strategy rooted in community trust, as voters voice frustration over housing, small business support, and city responsiveness.
Nelson Grande smiles when I tell him his campaign has surprised me. While other candidates struggled to gather the signatures needed to get on the ballot for the June 2 primary elections, he collected them quietly—without constant posts and in an effective way.
“I’m not just thinking strategically—I’m thinking organically. All the candidates talk about Highland Park and other parts of the district, but I was born, raised, and still live in these neighborhoods. I know the businesses, and I know the people. My approach is simple: talk and listen. Almost everyone knows me, and those who don’t will get a visit from me. I take my time and listen to their needs,” Grande says.
He grew up there, has run his businesses in the area, and his life has unfolded among those streets and homes that taught him how to live and shaped him to face the challenges that come his way. Out of love for his community, he has launched his candidacy for Los Angeles City Council District 1.
“They don’t see me as a typical candidate—the kind residents meet briefly before they leave. They see me as one of their own. That’s how I want them to feel. I want them to feel part of this process and join my desire to change District 1,” Nelson adds.
This businessman, long involved in the entertainment industry, is taking the remaining weeks leading up to the primaries with optimism. He believes he can make it into a runoff and has strong faith in his approach to politics.
“My team scolds me for spending too much time with people, but it’s very important to me. They’re focused on growing our social media presence and organizing more public events—and I’ll do it, even if I only hear about them at the last minute,” he said.
“My passion often gets the better of me, but I know I should listen to them a bit more. Still, I try not to change. I want people to meet the Nelson who grew up in the neighborhood just like them—to see me as an equal, to sit down over coffee and talk about their lives. I try to be myself,” he says with conviction.
In the few posts he has shared, he appears at well-organized campaign events alongside people from the entertainment world who support him.
“Kate del Castillo posted in support of me—and there’s much more to come,” he says, smiling again.
His team pushes for more visibility, but he insists he has spoken to thousands of people door to door.
“It’s very important to understand the community’s problems firsthand and to earn their trust so they feel comfortable sharing them. That’s my favorite part of this campaign. It doesn’t matter if it rains, if it’s cloudy, or if it’s hot—being in communication with them allows me to do what I’ve done all my life: uplift the community to a better place, a better life,” he adds.
What Nelson has observed after the first phase of his campaign echoes what he shared at the beginning.
“People feel ignored. The council office doesn’t answer phone calls or emails. There’s major concern about homelessness, no consistent support or long-term plan for small businesses. Overall, affordability is the issue people mention most—and of course, housing,” he says.
Nelson remains optimistic.
“I have a real chance—I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t believe that. People know who I am, and they want someone with common sense who can solve their problems. We need to talk about local issues—that’s how you connect with people. I’m very confident I’ll make it to the general election in November,” he concludes.
