Why is the election of José Ugarte important for South Los Angeles?

By Agustin Duran

May 7, 2026, 10:34 PM EDT

Recently, José Ugarte, candidate to lead District 9, was endorsed by La Opinión, a newspaper focused on the Latino community, and by the Los Angeles Sentinel, focused on the African-American community. These are two media outlets that represent the most relevant minority groups in the area.

This support reflects the work that Ugarte has done with both communities, the trust he has managed to generate and, most importantly, the hope he awakens by presenting himself as the son of migrants who listens and promotes citizen participation.

In a recent Facebook post, the candidate described how community members attended a meeting at the Mixed Fruit Store, where they not only expressed issues affecting the neighborhood, but also proposed solutions.

“People not only came to be heard, but they came ready to seek solutions. We discussed concrete measures, driven by the community itself, to reduce traffic speeds, attract job opportunities, and ensure that investments—such as street lighting—really benefit our neighborhoods,” Ugarte said on the social network.

These types of meetings, which are not isolated, reflect the trust that the candidate has built, as well as the willingness of residents to collaborate and contribute to the development of District 9, one of the areas with the fewest resources in the city of Los Angeles.

It should be remembered that the Latino community represents close to 80% of the district’s population. Most of them are migrants or children of migrants with the desire to work and contribute not only to their well-being, but to that of the entire community.

Therefore, the importance of this election on June 2 is underlined. Ugarte has managed to bring residents closer to the government, helping them overcome the shyness or fear that often prevents them from raising their voices.

With Ugarte at the helm, many feel identified, gain confidence and actively participate in the search for solutions. That change could make a difference in the future of District 9. However, it also comes with responsibility: the same people who support it today will demand results.

If what was seen during the campaign is reflected at the polls, his victory could represent not only a political triumph, but an opportunity for greater participation for the Latino community – migrant or daughter of migrants – in Los Angeles, the second largest city in the United States.