Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martínez is running for re-election in Los Angeles City Council District 13, now with the experience of his first term behind him.
“I’ve learned a lot; the circumstances are different now. I’ve realized that the city’s problems run deeper and are not easy to tackle. We need more wisdom, smarter strategies, more allies, and broader coalitions,” Soto-Martínez says.
In his first campaign, when he defeated incumbent Mitch O’Farrell in 2022, Soto-Martínez presented himself as a champion of workers and marginalized communities. His background in the labor movement gave him a broad understanding of community needs.
“At the end of the day, before closing his eyes, District 13 Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martínez asks himself whether he did the best job he could that day, and tells himself, ‘You did everything possible today,’” he told Parriva a year ago. He says that sentiment still guides him.
“I still believe that. Our commitment to workers remains the same—whether they’re tenants, hotel workers, or anyone who needs support. For me and my staff, this isn’t just a job. It’s our purpose; it’s what we aim to do for the community,” he adds.
The primary election will be held on June 2. So far, his only registered challenger is Colter Carlisle, vice president of the East Hollywood Neighborhood Council.
“I’m offering my district a candidate who will fight for them. There’s still so much to do. If people told me they had no problems in their lives, I’d be happy—it would mean I’ve done a good job. But the truth is there are many problems in this city, and we need to keep working,” Soto-Martínez says.
This year has been difficult for Los Angeles. Immigration raids have shaken the Latino community and its economy. Soto-Martínez is dissatisfied with the city’s response.
“We need to do more—protect the community and offer more options. I don’t think we’ve done enough. It’s painful to see videos where it seems police officers are helping ICE instead of helping the community. I understand they can’t confront federal agents, but they can use other strategies to support our residents—through information or other types of assistance,” he says.
Soto-Martínez says he is proud to have helped raise the minimum wage to $30 for hotel and service workers and to have supported initiatives to expand rent-controlled housing. He is adamant about being on the side of working people.
Regarding criticism from some residents over the role of councilmembers during immigration raids, he agrees.
“I understand their frustration and anger. I also wish we were out there more so people could see our support,” he says.
Another major concern in the community is the series of international events coming to Los Angeles. The World Cup arrives next year, followed by the 2028 Olympic Games.
Some activists worry these events will worsen housing issues and accelerate gentrification.
“I’m worried too. I want the benefits of these events to truly reach the community and not end up in the pockets of the wealthy—as they so often do. I hope the community takes to the streets and makes its voice heard. We need to ensure that both events genuinely benefit Angelenos,” he adds.
