Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath officially launched her campaign for a second term representing the 3rd District on Thursday, February 26, 2026. The district, encompassing over 2 million residents and 446.08 square miles, stretches from the Ventura County line through areas including Hollywood, West Hollywood and the San Fernando Valley, reaching as far south as Venice and north to Sylmar. Horvath’s bid for reelection comes after a first term marked by responses to regional crises and a focus on governance reform, setting the stage for a potentially competitive race in the upcoming election.
Horvath’s initial ascent to the Board of Supervisors saw her defeat then-State Senator Bob Hertzberg in November 2022, securing 52.7% of the vote to Hertzberg’s 47.3%. She succeeded Sheila Kuehl, who had chosen not to seek a third term. Prior to her role as Supervisor, Horvath served as Mayor of West Hollywood on two separate occasions, in 2015 and 2020, and was a member of the West Hollywood City Council from 2009 to 2022. Her political career began with an appointment to the City Council following the death of Councilman Sal Guarriello.
The Supervisor’s campaign is emphasizing a commitment to “bold, transformational change” across Los Angeles County. “I’m running for re-election as we must preserve pushing for bold, transformational change across Los Angeles,” Horvath stated. “Fighting for the people of L.A. County has been the honor of my life,” she added, expressing her belief in the county’s potential. This message is being delivered as Horvath highlights accomplishments from her first term, including leading wildfire recovery efforts and securing funding for impacted communities.
First Term Achievements and Key Priorities
A central focus of Horvath’s first term has been disaster response and aid distribution. She spearheaded the wildfire debris cleanup following the Palisades Fire in January 2025, a significant event that impacted the Pacific Palisades community. Her campaign reports delivering $55 million in direct aid to those affected by wildfires, as well as to workers, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations. This aid was crucial in supporting the recovery of communities and individuals impacted by the devastating fires.
Beyond disaster relief, Horvath has likewise focused on addressing critical social issues. She declared local emergencies in Los Angeles County related to both immigration and homelessness, signaling a commitment to tackling these complex challenges. She has prioritized accountability within county agencies, specifically targeting the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA). Horvath pulled funding from LAHSA following repeated audits that revealed mismanagement, demonstrating a willingness to hold organizations accountable for the effective use of taxpayer dollars.
Governance reform has also been a cornerstone of Horvath’s agenda. She successfully passed the county’s first ethics and governance reform in 100 years and established a Governance Reform Task Force to implement Measure G, which voters approved in November 2024. This measure aims to enhance transparency and accountability within Los Angeles County government, addressing long-standing concerns about ethical conduct and responsible governance.
The Road Ahead: Challengers and Endorsements
Horvath’s reelection campaign is already facing challenges from potential opponents. Realtor Tonia Arey and human rights activist Carmenlina Minasova have both filed to run for the seat, while Tomas Sidenfaden has been issued papers to run. Arey, positioning herself as an “unknown challenger,” has criticized the handling of the Palisades Fire and called for greater accountability from county leadership. Minasova is reportedly considering a run for mayor of Los Angeles, potentially shifting her focus away from the Supervisor race.
Despite the emerging competition, Horvath has secured significant endorsements from prominent figures and organizations. She has received the backing of U.S. Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla, both Democrats representing California. The Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, along with several union locals including SEIU Local 721, SEIU Local 2015, Unite Here Local 11, and the Los Angeles County firefighters union International Association of Fire Fighters Local 1014, have also pledged their support. She has garnered endorsements from Jane Fonda Climate PAC and CA Women’s List, highlighting her appeal to environmental and women’s advocacy groups.
A History of Incumbency in Los Angeles County
Historically, unseating an incumbent Los Angeles County Supervisor has proven demanding. According to records, no elected supervisor has been defeated for re-election since Baxter Ward in 1980. In that same year, Yvonne Brathwaite Burke, who had been appointed to the board a year earlier, also lost her bid for a full four-year term. This historical precedent suggests that Horvath may have a significant advantage as the incumbent, but a strong challenge from her opponents could alter the dynamics of the race.
Lindsey Horvath’s background extends beyond her political career. Born in Painesville, Ohio, she received a bachelor’s degree in political science and gender studies from the University of Notre Dame. This educational foundation likely informs her approach to policy-making and her understanding of the complex social and political issues facing Los Angeles County.
Key Takeaways
- Lindsey Horvath is seeking a second term as Los Angeles County Supervisor for the 3rd District.
- Her first term focused on wildfire recovery, addressing homelessness and immigration, and governance reform.
- She faces challenges from Tonia Arey, Carmenlina Minasova, and Tomas Sidenfaden.
- Horvath has secured endorsements from prominent California politicians and labor organizations.
- Incumbent supervisors in Los Angeles County have a strong track record of reelection.
The coming months will be crucial as Horvath and her challengers articulate their visions for Los Angeles County and engage with voters. The election will likely hinge on key issues such as affordable housing, public safety, and economic development, as well as the candidates’ ability to address the ongoing challenges facing the region. The next significant date in the election cycle will be the filing deadline for candidates, followed by candidate forums and debates in the spring of 2026.
We encourage readers to stay informed about the election and participate in the democratic process. Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below, and help us continue to provide comprehensive coverage of this important race.
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