Eunisses Hernández reelection Los Angeles campaign highlights experience, political resistance, and growing Latino voter influence in shaping the future of City Hall.
Although Eunisses Hernández is heading into her second election for public office, her voice already carries the confidence of a seasoned politician—one who has learned hard lessons from her first term representing Los Angeles’ Council District 1.
“My first year as a councilmember was the toughest—learning how to navigate the system, build relationships, and figure out how to move things forward,” she says. “Now it’s different. I have that experience. It wasn’t easy, but I know how to get results—not just for CD1, but for the entire city of Los Angeles.”
Hernández is now running for reelection against four challengers. Known simply as ‘Eunisses’ within the community, she compares this moment to her first campaign four years ago, when she became one of the youngest members of the City Council in recent years after defeating longtime political figure Gil Cedillo.
“I’m fighting again,” she says. “I’m still pushing and defending public policies that the establishment criticizes. But that’s who I am politically. Of course I’m going to face criticism—it’s always easier to throw stones than to propose solutions. I’m ready to defend my record. I do my homework, and I have the data to back up the work I’ve done in my first term.”
Her reelection campaign has drawn a wide range of support across Los Angeles—from labor unions and community organizations to elected officials and grassroots leaders.
“I will work with everyone just not on everything,” she says. “One of the most conservative councilmembers is someone I collaborate closely with—we’ve advanced initiatives and delivered results together. If it’s good for my district and for Los Angeles, my door is open.”
After nearly four years in office, Hernández has a clear set of priorities she hopes to carry forward through 2030.
Her top priority is continuing the Unarmed Model of Crisis Response (UMCR), which she helped launch as a pilot program and is now a permanent initiative. The program diverts non-violent mental health calls away from police and toward trained clinicians. Since 2024, these teams have handled more than 17,000 calls—over 96% without police involvement—delivering care-first services while reducing costs.
“This needs to keep improving,” she says. “The mental health crisis is real, and I’m fully committed to strengthening this program.”
Her second priority centers on seniors and the broader housing crisis.
“Our seniors are especially vulnerable, but the entire community is facing a severe housing crisis,” Hernández explains. “We need to expand affordable housing. I’ve studied models from other places that have faced similar challenges, and I will push aggressively for plans and initiatives to deliver housing solutions. This won’t happen overnight, but we have to keep the conversation active and implement the right programs.”
She notes that housing is deeply connected to homelessness, another pressing issue across her district and the city.
“This is personal to me,” she says. “I will keep fighting to ensure unhoused people are not simply displaced or ignored. That’s not acceptable.”
A third major focus is the city budget—a central issue for her administration.
“We have to be creative,” Hernández says. “That means finding ways to save, investing more intelligently, and identifying new revenue streams. These are conversations we must continue in the City Council, in committees, and with the appropriate authorities.”
Public Works remains one of the most visible—and controversial—areas of city governance. Hernández acknowledges progress, but says it’s not enough.
“We’ve fixed streetlights, expanded solar investments, repaired potholes and sidewalks—important, immediate needs for CD1 and the city,” she says. “But we need to move faster. We’ve planted the seed, now we have to push further, work across departments, and set more ambitious goals.”
Hernández admits Los Angeles is no longer in its “golden era,” but remains optimistic about its future.
“There are real problems, and we have to acknowledge them,” she says. “But there are also many people ready to work hard for this city. We all have to do our part. Continuity matters—we have to keep building on what we’ve started.”
She is also candid about areas where she sees room for improvement within her own administration—particularly communication.
“I’ve realized that too many people aren’t hearing about the work we’re doing or the initiatives we’re advancing,” she says. “I’m already working on that. We’ll have a ‘promotoras’-style team in constant communication with residents—not just informing them, but listening to their concerns and priorities. People need access to that information and greater visibility into what’s happening.”
She points to data from the health department showing reductions in overdose cases as an example of progress that should be better communicated.
“That’s huge for our community,” she says. “It’s a major step forward. It’s our responsibility to make sure people know where we stand.”
Hernández emphasizes the demanding nature of the role, balancing hundreds of community events each year alongside City Council responsibilities.
“We’re expanding our offices,” she says. “The formula is simple: learn and fix. I’ve learned a tremendous amount in my first term—and let me be clear: I don’t repeat the same mistake twice. These lessons have made me stronger.”
A lifelong Angeleno, Hernández says her commitment to the city is deeply personal.
“I grew up in Los Angeles. I can’t imagine living anywhere else—this is my home. And we’re going to fix what needs fixing. Human rights, justice, housing—you name it. We’re going to get there.”
This Tuesday, a candidate forum will be held at Franklin High School, organized by the PTSA. All five candidates for CD1 were invited, though Nelson Grande and Sylvia Robledo have declined to attend. Hernández and Raúl Claros will be present, while Lou Calanche has not confirmed her attendance to Parriva.
“I’m really excited about this event,” Hernández says. “I want to hear from young people—their ideas, their expectations, their demands. We need to bring solutions. Anyone can throw stones—but not everyone brings answers.”
