Los Angeles Councilman Facing Racism Scandal Seeks Reelection Despite Calls to Resign
Los Angeles Councilman Kevin de Leon, who was embroiled in a racism scandal at City Hall, has announced his intention to run for reelection, despite facing widespread calls for his resignation. The scandal, which unfolded last year, severely impacted public trust in the government and led to the resignations of key figures including then-Los Angeles City Council President Nury Martinez and a prominent labor leader.
De Leon, a Democrat, has repeatedly apologized for his involvement in the scandal. However, his refusal to step down sparked ongoing protests that disrupted council meetings. In a statement, De Leon defended his decision to seek another term, citing the unprecedented strides he has made in his district, which encompasses downtown Los Angeles.
Despite being stripped of his committee participation and facing immense pressure to resign, De Leon has been strategizing publicly and privately to salvage his political career. While some colleagues have expressed their inability to work with him due to the scandal, there is currently no legal pathway for them to remove him from office. The council can only suspend a member when criminal charges are pending.
De Leon, a former state Senate leader, highlighted his efforts to address the city’s persistent homeless crisis and revitalize parks and public spaces in his district. However, his rival, State Assemblyman Miguel Santiago, who has announced his own candidacy for De Leon’s seat, called for the councilman’s resignation, accusing him of neglecting the needs of his district and lacking the ability to effect meaningful change.
The scandal that engulfed De Leon centered around a leaked recording of a private meeting involving him, Martinez, and two other Latino Democrats. In the recording, they were heard making crude, racist comments and planning to exploit their political power at the expense of Black voters during the redistricting process. The revelation prompted strong condemnation from the California Legislative Black Caucus, with speakers at council meetings likening the remarks to the era of Jim Crow and decrying the evident anti-Blackness.
The tensions exposed by this scandal reflect historical rivalries in Los Angeles and the United States at large, stemming from divisions based on race, geography, partisanship, and religion. These divisions often spill into housing, education, employment, and even prison systems, as well as the distribution of political influence.
As De Leon awaits the upcoming election, the outcome remains uncertain. The scandal has undoubtedly tarnished his reputation and raised questions about his ability to effectively serve his constituents. Ultimately, it will be up to the voters to decide whether to grant him another term or opt for change in their district.
