Becoming the Mayor of Los Angeles: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction: Becoming the Mayor of Los Angeles is an ambitious and rewarding goal. With a clear plan, determination, and community support, you can turn your vision for the city into reality. This guide breaks down everything from legal requirements and filing procedures to campaign strategy and election timelines – all in a motivational, step-by-step format.

Los Angeles City Hall, the seat of the Mayor’s office. The journey to this office starts with meeting key requirements and building a strong campaign.

1. Meet the Legal Requirements

Before launching a mayoral campaign, ensure you meet all legal eligibility criteria:

• Age & Citizenship: You must be at least 18 years old by the time of the election, and you must be a U.S. citizen . Los Angeles requires its elected officials to be eligible voters, so being 18+ and a citizen covers this.
• Residency: Candidates for Mayor must reside within the City of Los Angeles. In fact, the City Charter requires you to establish residency in the city at least 30 days before the start of the candidacy filing period . (For example, if filing begins in early November, you should be a city resident by early October of the year before the election.)
• Voter Registration: You need to be a registered voter in the City of Los Angeles at the time of your nomination and election . Make sure your voter registration is up to date with a Los Angeles address.
• Other Qualifications: Los Angeles municipal offices are nonpartisan, and there are no specific education or professional requirements to run for Mayor. Unlike the City Attorney (which requires legal credentials), the Mayor’s office is open to any qualified elector meeting the above criteria . Also, note that the Mayor is term-limited (a maximum of two 4-year terms), so an incumbent who has served two terms cannot run again immediately.

2. Filing for Candidacy: How to Get on the Ballot

Getting on the ballot is a multi-step process with strict deadlines. Here’s how to navigate the procedural requirements:

1. Plan Ahead and Contact Officials: The first official step is filing a Declaration of Intention, but long before that, start planning. The Los Angeles City Clerk’s Election Division recommends reaching out about a year in advance to stay informed on upcoming candidate workshops, deadlines, and events . Additionally, potential mayoral candidates two years out should contact the City Ethics Commission for guidance on fundraising rules . Early preparation ensures you won’t miss key steps.
2. File a Declaration of Intention (DOI): Within the official filing window, you must file a “Declaration of Intention to Become a Candidate.” This is typically done in person at the City Clerk’s Election Division. The DOI filing period usually opens about 150 days before the primary election and lasts only a few days . For example, for a March primary, the DOI might be filed in early November of the prior year. (In 2023, the window to file a DOI for the 2024 city elections was November 6–11, 2023 .) Mark these dates and be sure to submit your DOI on time, as no candidacy can proceed without this step.
3. Obtain Nominating Petitions: Once your DOI is filed, the City Clerk will issue you official nominating petition forms. This typically starts the same day the DOI period closes. For instance, in the 2024 cycle, November 11, 2023 was the first day candidates could pick up nominating petitions (and also the first day to start gathering signatures) . These petitions are the documents your supporters will sign to help qualify you for the ballot.
4. Gather Signatures: Los Angeles requires mayoral candidates to gather a significant number of signatures from registered city voters to get on the ballot. You have two options to fulfill this requirement: (a) collect at least 500 valid signatures and pay a filing fee, or (b) collect 1,000 valid signatures with no fee . Most candidates choose the 500-signature route with a fee for convenience, but if you’re running a grassroots campaign, gathering 1,000 signatures can demonstrate broad support (and save money). It’s wise to collect more than the minimum number of signatures, since some may be invalid (e.g., signer not registered or duplicate signers). The signatures must come from registered voters of the City of Los Angeles (anywhere in the city, since Mayor is a citywide office).
   
   • Filing Fee: The fee for mayoral candidates is $300 (non-refundable) if you submit at least 500 signatures . There’s no fee if you submit 1,000 signatures. Ensure you get a receipt for any fee paid.
6. Submit Nominating Petitions: Turn in your signed petitions to the City Clerk before the deadline. The nominating petition period usually closes about 90 days before the election. In our example, petition filing closed on December 6, 2023 for the March 2024 primary . Be mindful of this deadline – late submissions are not accepted. Election officials will then verify your petition signatures. Once a sufficient number of signatures are validated and any fees are paid, you will be officially qualified as a candidate. (The City Clerk typically finalizes the official candidate list around 80 days before the election .)
7. Other Filing Forms: Along with your petitions, you will file other required documents:
   
   • Candidate Information and Ballot Designation Form: This includes the exact name you want on the ballot and your ballot designation (a brief description of your occupation or title). Follow the rules on designations (e.g. typically three words maximum, no slogans or abbreviations).
   • Statement of Economic Interests (Form 700): All candidates must file this ethics form disclosing personal financial interests (to ensure transparency and avoid conflicts of interest). You often submit Form 700 when you file your DOI or by nomination petition deadline .
   • Declaration to Solicit and Receive Contributions: Before you can raise or spend money, city law requires filing a form with the Ethics Commission declaring your intent to form a campaign committee . This is typically done once you start fundraising (more on this in the fundraising section). It’s wise to file it early, so you can lawfully collect donations.
   • Campaign Committee Registration: If you plan to raise or spend at least $2,000 (which is virtually guaranteed in a mayoral race), you must register a campaign committee. This means filing a Statement of Organization (Form 410) with the California Secretary of State and the City Ethics Commission, and opening a campaign bank account. Do this as soon as you begin fundraising or spending money.
9. Candidate Statement (Optional): Los Angeles provides an opportunity for local candidates to include a candidate statement in the official Voter Information Guide that voters receive by mail. If you choose to submit a statement, you’ll need to adhere to word limits, formatting rules, and possibly pay a fee to the Los Angeles County Registrar (since the County administers the election guide). Keep an eye out for information on this program when you file; submitting a well-written statement can be a good way to reach voters who research their ballots.

Tip: Keep copies of every form you file and get receipts. The process is detail-oriented, but the City Clerk’s staff can provide checklists and answer questions if you reach out. They are there to help prospective candidates navigate these requirements.

3. Organize Your Campaign Team and Plan

Running for Mayor of a city as large and diverse as Los Angeles is a major undertaking. It’s never too early to start planning your campaign and assembling a team. Here’s how to get organized:

• Start Early: Serious mayoral campaigns often kick off well over a year in advance of the election. Use this time to develop your platform, learn about community issues, and build name recognition. As noted, at about 12 months out, you should already be in touch with the City Clerk’s office to stay updated , and at 18–24 months out you might even be quietly networking and fundraising behind the scenes . Early groundwork can make a huge difference once the campaign officially begins.
• Build a Campaign Team: You’ll need a dedicated team to run a citywide campaign:
  
  • Campaign Manager: This person oversees the day-to-day operations and strategy. Choose someone experienced and trustworthy who can coordinate all aspects of the campaign.
  • Fundraising Director: Given the high cost of campaigning in LA, having a fundraising (finance) director to organize events, donor outreach, and compliance with finance laws is crucial.
  • Communications Director: To handle press releases, social media, debate prep, and your overall message. LA’s media market is large, so a savvy communications strategy is key.
  • Volunteer Coordinator/Ground Game Lead: Grassroots outreach – canvassing, phone banking, event staffing – requires managing volunteers. A coordinator can recruit and train the army of volunteers you’ll need to contact voters citywide.
  • Policy Advisors: As a mayoral candidate, you’ll be expected to have positions on many issues (housing, transportation, public safety, etc.). A small team of advisors or volunteers can help research and craft your policy proposals.
• Campaign Plan & Budget: Develop a written campaign plan. This should include your target voter demographics, key issues you’ll emphasize, a calendar of campaign events, and a detailed budget. Determine how many votes you need to win and which areas of the city to focus on. For example, Los Angeles has over 2 million registered voters spread across diverse neighborhoods – consider which communities you need to win in the primary to make the runoff, and in the runoff to win overall. Your budget should align with these goals (e.g., allocate funds for field operations in high-priority regions, for media, etc.). Set fundraising goals early so you can resource your plan.
• Training and Knowledge: If you’re new to running for office, consider attending candidate training workshops. Organizations (like local civic groups or party organizations) sometimes host “how to run for office” trainings. The City Ethics Commission also often requires or offers training on campaign finance compliance for candidates – take advantage of that . Being well-versed in election rules and best practices will make you a more confident candidate.
• Stay Motivated: A mayoral campaign is a marathon, not a sprint. There will be long days and setbacks. Surround yourself with a supportive team and keep your mission at the forefront – your passion for Los Angeles and its people. A positive, can-do attitude will inspire your team and voters alike.

4. Engaging Voters: Outreach and Advertising

Los Angeles is a vast city with nearly 4 million residents, so reaching voters requires a multi-faceted outreach strategy. Combine traditional campaigning with modern tactics:

• Grassroots Outreach: Personal contact is powerful. Organize door-to-door canvassing to meet voters in their neighborhoods – from Sylmar to San Pedro. Given LA’s size, focus on high-turnout areas and swing neighborhoods. Also attend community events, farmers’ markets, and meetings of neighborhood councils. Face-to-face interaction allows you to hear voter concerns and share your vision. The more communities you visit, the more authentic connections you build.
• Phone Banking and Texting: Set up phone banking operations to call voters, and use text message outreach to send reminders about events or voting dates. These methods let you cover a lot of ground citywide. Volunteers can call from a central office or remotely. Make sure to target likely voters (using voter registration lists) for efficient use of time.
• Mailers and Literature: Many LA voters still check their mail. Design a compelling mail brochure or flyer that highlights your biography, key issues, and endorsements. Plan a few rounds of mailers if budget allows – for example, one in the early campaign to introduce yourself, one before mail-in ballots go out, and another before Election Day. Also have campaign literature (palm cards or brochures) for canvassing and events.
• Digital Campaigning: Leverage the power of the internet and social media:
  
  • Create an official campaign website with your platform, volunteer sign-up, and donation links. Keep it updated with news and event info.
  • Use social media (Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube) to communicate directly with voters. Post regular updates: short videos about issues, behind-the-scenes looks at campaigning, and responses to local news. Engage with followers – answer questions and thank supporters.
  • Online advertising can be cost-effective. Consider targeted social media ads or Google search ads, focusing on Los Angeles users. For example, someone searching “Los Angeles Mayor election” might see your campaign ad.
  • Host virtual events or live streams (Facebook Live, Instagram Live, Zoom town halls) to reach people who can’t attend in person.
• Traditional Media and PR: LA has major media outlets (TV, radio, newspapers). Work to earn media coverage:
  
  • Send press releases to news outlets when you launch your campaign, announce major endorsements, or release policy plans.
  • Build relationships with local journalists and bloggers who cover politics.
  • Participate in candidate debates and forums (there will be several sponsored by civic groups or media leading up to the election). Performing well in a televised debate can boost your name recognition.
  • Consider radio advertisements or local cable TV ads if your budget permits, especially in the lead-up to Election Day when voters are paying attention. Local NPR or news radio stations, for example, reach many engaged voters.
• Campaign Signs and Visibility: Use lawn signs, posters, and banners to increase your visibility, especially in high-traffic areas and at supporter homes/businesses. While signs alone don’t win elections, they build name familiarity and show grassroots support. (Be sure to follow city rules about where signs can be placed, and remove them after the election.)
• Voter Contact Plan: As Election Day approaches, have a robust “Get Out The Vote” (GOTV) operation. This means contacting identified supporters with reminders to turn in their mail ballots or go vote at a vote center. Los Angeles elections often have lower turnout, so mobilizing your supporters is crucial. Use phone banks, texts, and door knocks in the final weeks to ensure your base actually votes.

Remember, Los Angeles voters are diverse – linguistically, culturally, and politically. Tailor your outreach to different communities. For instance, you may need campaign materials in Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Armenian, or Tagalog to effectively reach all populations. Show up in different neighborhoods and listen; being present and attentive goes a long way in earning trust and votes.

5. Fundraising and Campaign Finance in L.A.

Running for Mayor of L.A. requires a robust fundraising effort, but it must be done by the book given the city’s strict campaign finance laws. Here’s how to fund your campaign while staying compliant and ethical:

• Set a Fundraising Goal: Successful mayoral campaigns often raise millions of dollars. Research recent elections (for example, in 2022 candidates spent upwards of $40 million combined in the race). Determine a realistic target based on the competitiveness of the race and your campaign plan. Create a finance plan dividing this goal among different fundraising methods: high-dollar donations, grassroots small donations, fundraising events, etc.
• Build Your Donor Network: Start with your personal network – friends, family, colleagues – to gather initial support. Then expand outward:
  
  • Host Fundraisers: Arrange events where supporters contribute to attend. This could range from a backyard BBQ with suggested $50 donations to a formal dinner with $1,000 ticket prices. Fundraisers not only raise money but also energize supporters.
  • Seek Endorsements from Donors: Prominent community leaders or businesses may support you financially. Explain your platform and why your leadership would benefit the city to win their backing.
  • Online Donations: Make it easy for anyone to donate through your website. Utilize email newsletters and social media to ask for small-dollar donations from a wide audience. Many people giving $20 or $50 each can add up fast, especially in a big city.
  • Call Time: It may not be glamorous, but candidates often spend hours calling potential donors. Be prepared to personally ask people for contributions – passion for your cause will motivate them.
• Know the Contribution Limits: Los Angeles limits how much individuals and organizations can donate to your campaign. As of the 2022 election, an individual could give a maximum of $1,500 per person, per election to a mayoral candidate . This means one person can donate $1,500 for your primary and another $1,500 for the general runoff, if you advance. (City Council races have slightly lower limits, e.g. $800 in 2022 .) These limits are periodically adjusted for inflation, so by the next election they may be a bit higher. Always check the latest Ethics Commission guidelines for the current limit. Also remember that primary and general are counted separately , but you must attribute contributions to the correct election. If someone gives you a full $1,500 for the primary, that money can’t be used for the general unless they had given less than the cap.
• Public Matching Funds Program: Los Angeles has a generous public financing system to amplify small donations. If you opt in and qualify, the city will match small contributions at a 6:1 rate – turning, for example, a $200 donation from a local resident into up to $1,200 of city funds for your campaign . To qualify, you must:
  
  • Agree to certain spending limits and debate participation rules.
  • Gather a threshold number of small contributions from city residents (e.g. in 2022, mayoral candidates had to raise a certain amount from at least 100 city residents contributing $5 or more) .
  • Only contributions from individuals count (no PAC or business money for matching funds).
• 
  Once qualified, up to a set amount per donor is matchable (for 2022, it was the first $214 of each contribution for mayoral candidates) . The program encourages outreach to everyday Angelenos. If you’re running as a grassroots candidate, definitely consider using matching funds – it can provide millions in additional funding if you have broad small-donor support. (Be mindful: it comes with spending limits, but those limits are fairly high for mayoral races and can be lifted if an opponent spends heavily.)
• Campaign Finance Laws & Ethics: Los Angeles’s campaign finance laws are among the strictest in the nation, aimed at transparency and fairness . Key rules to follow:
  
  • No Corporate Contributions: Contributions must be made by individuals, not directly from corporations (though corporate-sponsored PACs or other entities can donate within limits). Generally, in California, direct corporate donations to local candidates are prohibited.
  • Ban on Certain Donors: The city bans contributions from registered city lobbyists and those who have contracts with the city (pay-to-play restrictions) as well as, as of 2022, real estate developers with large projects pending city approval . This means if a property developer is seeking a significant zoning change or permit from the city, neither they nor their principals can donate to your campaign. Be sure to screen your donations – your campaign treasurer should verify that no prohibited donor slips through. Accepting an illegal donation, even inadvertently, can lead to fines and bad press.
  • Disclosure and Reporting: All donations and expenditures must be reported to the City Ethics Commission on a regular schedule (campaign finance statements). You’ll file reports detailing who donated, how much money you’ve spent, and on what. These become public records. Staying on top of these filings is essential for legal compliance and maintaining public trust.
  • Personal Funds: You are allowed to contribute your own money to your campaign (there’s no limit on that in local races ). However, if you do, note that it won’t be matched by public funds and it still must be reported.
• Fundraising Ethics: Always fundraise ethically. Don’t promise anything in return for contributions (that’s illegal). And be aware of the optics – for example, while it’s legal for city employee unions or businesses to donate, how you message your independence and integrity matters. The Ethics Commission keeps a close eye on contributions, and violations can lead to penalties. When in doubt, consult the L.A. City Ethics Commission – they are very helpful in providing guidance on what’s allowed . You can even request advice if you’re unsure about a fundraising situation.
• Innovative Ideas: Get creative with fundraising: perhaps a citywide “Day of Giving” online, or merchandise sales (T-shirts, buttons) where proceeds support the campaign (merch sales must be tracked as contributions minus the cost of the item). Crowdfunding tools and payment apps can widen your reach, but always comply with collecting required donor information (name, address, employer, etc., for contributions).

By fueling your campaign with legally raised funds and spending wisely according to your plan, you’ll have the resources needed to communicate your message and compete effectively.

6. Building Political Networks, Endorsements, and Community Support

Earning the backing of influential individuals and groups can significantly boost your campaign’s credibility and reach. Los Angeles politics involve many stakeholders – here’s how to navigate and build your network:

• Party and Political Endorsements: Although city elections are nonpartisan, major party support is crucial. If you’re a Democrat (the vast majority of L.A. voters are), seek the endorsement of the Los Angeles County Democratic Party and local Democratic clubs. These groups can mobilize volunteers and voters on your behalf. Similarly, Republican candidates (or others) should engage their party organizations for support. High-profile elected officials’ endorsements (city council members, state legislators, members of Congress) can also sway voters. Start meeting with these officials early, share your vision, and ask for their endorsement. Many will wait to see your campaign’s viability (polls, fundraising) before endorsing – another reason to build momentum early.
• Community and Grassroots Leaders: Los Angeles is home to countless community organizations, neighborhood leaders, and advocacy groups. Identify those aligned with your platform – whether they are tenants’ rights groups, environmental coalitions, business associations, or public safety organizations – and seek their support. Attending neighborhood council meetings across the city is a great way to connect with grassroots community representatives. When community leaders vouch for you, it helps build trust among voters in that area or demographic.
• Labor Unions and Professional Associations: Unions are very influential in L.A. elections. Teachers, police officers, firefighters, city workers, and many other labor groups often endorse candidates (sometimes providing significant independent campaign support on your behalf). Meet with union leadership early, listen to their concerns (e.g., teachers on education policy, city workers on management issues), and present your ideas. An endorsement from a union like SEIU 721 or the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor can bring not only votes but also volunteers and funding via independent expenditure campaigns. On the other side, business groups like the Chamber of Commerce or trade associations may back candidates who favor economic development – their endorsements can help signal pro-business credentials and often come with PAC support.
• Endorsements as Signals: Publicize key endorsements as you get them – they signal to voters that credible organizations or leaders trust you. For instance, an endorsement by a major newspaper (like the Los Angeles Times) can sway undecided voters. Keep a section of your website updated with all endorsements. Often, voters who haven’t met you will look at who has lined up behind you as a shortcut to decide.
• Coalition-Building: Los Angeles is incredibly diverse. Aim to build a coalition that reflects that diversity – geographic (valley, Westside, Eastside, South LA, harbor area), ethnic, and ideological. Show you can be a unifying leader. This might involve forming advisory groups, like a “Latino Leadership Committee” or an “Asian American Pacific Islander for [Your Name]” committee, etc., comprising community figures who help you connect to various communities. It demonstrates broad appeal.
• Attend Events & Be Present: Make sure you or your surrogates attend important community events, cultural festivals, and faith-based gatherings. Whether it’s a Korean festival in Koreatown, Pride events in Hollywood, or meetings at historically Black churches in South L.A., being present shows respect and commitment. Don’t just show up at election time – build relationships throughout the campaign (and mean it; if you win, these are the communities you’ll serve).
• Listen and Learn: Networking isn’t just about asking for support – it’s also about listening. When meeting community members or leaders, spend time hearing their issues and solutions. The more you learn, the better you can tailor your message and eventual policies. People will remember that you listened to them, and that can earn you both votes and long-term allies.
• Stay Positive and Inspirational: Keep your tone hopeful and solutions-oriented when networking. Los Angeles voters respond to optimism and a clear vision for improvement. Inspire volunteers and endorsers by sharing your genuine passion for the city. When you motivate others, they’ll become enthusiastic ambassadors for your campaign.

7. Election Timeline and Key Milestones

Understanding the election schedule is critical for timing your campaign activities. Los Angeles municipal elections are now aligned with California state election dates, and the mayoral race uses a two-round system (primary and general):

• Election Cycle Overview: The Mayor of Los Angeles is elected every four years, in even-numbered years (2022, 2026, 2030, etc.) . The election cycle consists of a Primary Nominating Election in the spring and a General Municipal Election in the fall. These are consolidated with statewide elections , meaning they happen on the same dates as California’s primary and general elections.
• Primary (Nominating) Election: This is the first round, usually held in early spring of the election year. In presidential election years, the California primary (and thus L.A.’s municipal primary) is in March (e.g., March 2024) . In midterm years, it’s currently in March or June (the state has used June in the past, but laws can change – for 2022 it was June). The primary is nonpartisan: all candidates for Mayor appear on the same ballot. If any candidate wins more than 50% of the vote in the primary, they are elected outright and no runoff is needed . This is rare in a large open-seat mayor’s race with many candidates, but it’s possible if the field is small or one candidate is very dominant.
• General (Runoff) Election: If no one gets a majority in the primary (which is the usual scenario), the top two vote-getters advance to the General Election in November . The General Municipal Election coincides with the November general election (the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November). This runoff will determine the final winner. The turnout in November is generally higher and a different mix of voters than in the primary, so plan your campaign for two rounds if you’re aiming for the runoff.
• Election Year Timeline: Let’s use the 2026 election as an example (since that will be the next Los Angeles mayoral race):
  
  • Mid/Late 2025: Begin active campaigning and fundraising; City Clerk will publish a Candidate Handbook with exact dates. Attend candidate workshops if offered.
  • October 2025: Residency deadline (usually about 30 days before filing opens) – make sure by this date you live in L.A. (if not long established already) .
  • November 2025: Candidate filing period – file Declaration of Intention and nominating petitions as described in Section 2. For 2026, likely early-to-mid November 2025 for DOI, and through early December for petitions.
  • December 2025: City Clerk finalizes candidate list after signature verification. You’ll know officially if you qualified for the ballot by this time.
  • Late 2025 – Early 2026: Campaigning in full swing. You might see candidate debates starting in January or February 2026. Voter registration cutoff for the primary is a couple of weeks before the election (late February if primary is in March) – your outreach to unregistered supporters should happen before then.
  • March 2026 (Primary Election): Election Day for the primary (or if by mail, the final day ballots can be cast). If you win outright (50%+1), congratulations – you’ll be the Mayor-elect! Otherwise, it’s onto the runoff.
  • April 2026: Primary results are certified. If you’re in a runoff, use April and May to adjust strategy: analyze primary results to see which areas or demographics you need to win over in the general.
  • Summer 2026: Rally your base for the general election. This is also a time to reach out to voters who supported primary candidates that did not make the runoff – you may seek endorsements from those former rivals.
  • September/October 2026: Intense general election campaign phase. Expect higher public attention. Continue voter contact, hit citywide media, and prepare for likely debates/forums with your runoff opponent.
  • October 2026: Voter registration deadline for general (around 2 weeks before election). Also, early voting and mail-in voting will start weeks before Election Day. Ensure your campaign has a strategy for chasing mail ballots (a large portion of LA voters vote by mail).
  • November 3, 2026 (General Election): Final Election Day. All vote centers close at 8pm. Results will start coming in; if you’ve done the work, hopefully this is the night you win the mayoralty!
  • December 2026: Election certified. The new Mayor of Los Angeles typically takes office in mid-December (the City Charter sets the start of the term a few weeks after the general election).
• Term of Office: The Mayor serves a 4-year term beginning a few weeks after the general election (around mid-December). As mentioned, there is a two-consecutive-term limit for the office.

Keep an eye on any changes to election law. In recent years, L.A. adjusted its election calendar to line up with state elections to boost turnout . Also, deadlines sometimes shift slightly if state laws change or if there are holidays/weekends involved. The City Clerk’s Election Division publishes an official election calendar each cycle – use it as your bible for dates. Missing a deadline can derail a campaign, so always double-check the schedule and set your own reminders well in advance.

8. Key Resources and Contacts for Candidates

Embarking on this journey, you’re not alone – Los Angeles has resources to guide and support candidates. Keep these contacts handy:

• Los Angeles City Clerk – Election Division: This is your primary source for all official election information, candidate filing, and procedures. They provide candidate guides, calendars, petition forms, and general help. Contact: (213) 978-0444 or visit the City Clerk Elections website . The staff can answer questions about filing paperwork, residency, petitions, and other technical requirements.
• Los Angeles City Ethics Commission: For anything related to campaign finance, ethics rules, and compliance, the Ethics Commission is the watchdog and guide. They offer training for candidates and treasurers, advisory opinions, and publish manuals on laws for fundraising and spending. Contact: (213) 978-1960, email ethics.commission@lacity.org, or see their website (ethics.lacity.org) . When in doubt about a contribution or an expenditure, ask them – it’s better to be safe than sorry. They also manage the matching funds program and will be a key office to coordinate with if you opt into public financing.
• Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk: Since LA’s municipal elections are administered by the County, the Registrar’s office handles voter registration, vote-by-mail, and vote counting. Candidates can contact them to purchase voter data (walking lists, phone lists of registered voters) which is crucial for campaign outreach. They also manage the Candidate Statement process for the sample ballot. Website: lavote.gov (the County’s election site). Look for the “Candidate & Campaign” services section.
• California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC): State-level campaign laws (like state forms you must file, e.g., Form 410 or Form 460 for disclosures) are overseen by the FPPC. While city races follow a lot of local law, the FPPC is a good resource for understanding general campaign rules and state forms. Their website (fppc.ca.gov) has manuals and a hotline for questions.
• Official Candidate Guides and Handbooks: Each election, the City Clerk typically releases a Candidate Guide and the County may release a Candidate Handbook. These guides compile all the info – qualifications, filing instructions, fee schedules, deadlines, etc. Download these from the Clerk’s website or pick up a copy when you visit their office . Refer to them frequently to stay on track.
• City Hall Resource Offices: Once you’ve filed, you may interface with various city offices:
  
  • The City Clerk (as above) for election logistics.
  • The City Attorney’s office, which sometimes provides guidance on the election code and will be the legal advisor should any question of interpretation arise.
  • LAPD or other agencies for any security or permit issues for rallies (for example, if you plan a large public event, you might need permits).
  • If you become a top candidate, the Ethics Commission will assign auditors to your campaign to ensure public funds (if taken) are properly used.
• Community and Party Resources: Don’t overlook local resources like the League of Women Voters of Los Angeles, which often holds candidate forums and provides voter education (a good chance to get your message out). If you’re involved with a political party, they might offer campaign training or voter data assistance as well.

Lastly, consider finding a mentor – maybe a former elected official or campaign manager who has gone through this process in L.A. before. Their firsthand advice can be invaluable. Reach out to people who have run for city office; many are willing to share lessons learned.

Conclusion: Running for Mayor of Los Angeles is a challenging endeavor, but it’s also an opportunity to make a profound impact on millions of lives. By fulfilling the legal requirements, planning meticulously, building a broad coalition, and staying true to your vision, you can mount a serious campaign for City Hall. Remember to stay upbeat and resilient – every great movement starts with a single step, and every successful candidate starts as someone with a dream to lead. Los Angeles needs passionate leaders, so if that’s you, take the leap! The road to the Mayor’s office is tough, but with preparation, heart, and the support of the community, you just might be the next to hold the keys to this great city. Good luck on your journey to make a difference in Los Angeles!

Sources:

• City of Los Angeles, General Information for Candidates – 2024 Municipal Elections 
• City of Los Angeles, Municipal Code & Charter Provisions on Elections (e.g., Charter §422) 
• Los Angeles City Clerk – Candidate Filing Guide (key deadlines and requirements) 
• Los Angeles City Clerk – Important Election Dates 2023–2024 (residency and filing timeline) 
• Los Angeles City Clerk – Contact Information 
• Los Angeles City Ethics Commission – 2022 Contributor Guide (campaign finance limits and matching funds) 
• Los Angeles City Ethics Commission – Campaign Finance Laws (Charter §470) 
• Cox, Castle & Nicholson LLP – Alert on L.A.’s Developer Contribution Ban (Ethics law update) 
• Wiley Law – Summary of L.A.’s ban on contributions from lobbyists, contractors, and developers