Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell earned another term representing the board’s District 2 Tuesday, easily defeating a trio of challengers.
Mitchell, who was elected in 2020, was challenged by Clint Carlton, founder and CEO of Safe Squad Inc., an online safety platform for children and seniors; Daphne Bradford, an education consultant and community organizer; and Katrina Williams, CEO of Changing the Faces of Homelessness, a nonprofit organization.
Early returns showed Mitchell quickly dominating the race, with the incumbent pulling in 67.8% of the vote. She only needs 50% of the vote to be re-elected outright, without need for a November runoff.
The sprawling area of the 2nd District includes more than 40 communities, including Culver City, Marina del Rey and South Bay cities, as well Inglewood, Compton, Carson and much of South Los Angeles.
Mitchell, 59, who previously served in the state Legislature as a representative for the 54th Assembly District and the 30th Senate District, ran on a platform of tackling homelessness, dealing with the housing crisis and ensuring a safe and accessible transit experience for riders.
“From the first time I decided to run for office, I have been driven by a commitment to use public policy and service to make a positive impact that can be seen and felt,” Mitchell said on her campaign’s website.
Mitchell’s campaign touted her accomplishments during her first term, including passage of a landmark guaranteed universal income program, making L.A. County the first in the nation to phase out urban oil drilling, and expanding the county’s access to beds to strengthen the response to the mental health crisis.
Mitchell said she aims to spearhead several initiatives if reelected, including addressing homelessness and RV encampments, constructing housing to alleviate the 500,000-unit housing deficit and eradicating street racing takeovers.
The three candidates challenging Mitchell — Carlton, Bradford, Williams — said tackling the homelessness crisis would be one of their top priorities.
“Homelessness is a complex issue affecting individuals and families across our district,” Carlton, 42, said on his campaign’s website.
“It requires a multifaceted approach, including affordable housing initiatives, mental health and addiction services, and supportive programs to help those experiencing homelessness regain stability in their lives.”
In December 2022, Carlton became the director of Homelessness and Housing for L.A. Councilwoman Traci Park. Carlton said he is committed to working closely with local law enforcement agencies, community organizations and residents to implement strategies that reduce crime, improve public safety and foster a sense of security.
“By prioritizing inclusivity, communication, and cooperation, I aim to create a district that is safer, more secure, and responsive to the needs of all its residents,” Carlton said. “Together, we will work towards building a brighter and more prosperous future for our district as a whole.”
Bradford, 57, describes herself as a longtime resident of the 2nd District, growing up in Inglewood. Her campaign’s website calls her an “educator and seasoned entrepreneur with over two decades of experience.”
One of Bradford’s top priorities is also public safety.
“As your Los Angeles County Supervisor, I will stand with victims and law abiding citizens,” Bradford said on her website. “The failed policies of D.A. George Gascón are destroying our communities. Holly Mitchell supports George Gascón’s re-election. I do not support … Gascón.”
Bradford vowed to improve public safety by partnering with numerous local agencies.
“Business owners are suffering due to `smash & grab’ robberies,” Bradford said. “Going to the grocery store shouldn’t cost $2,381 … because someone decides to steal your catalytic converter. Enough is enough.”
Bradford emphasized that law enforcement partnerships will also help with the “implementation of compassionate common sense policies addressing homeless constituent mental health and drug addiction treatment and out of control RV encampments.”
President Barack Obama honored Bradford as a White House Champion of Change Connected Educator in 2013, according to her campaign.
Williams, 50, runs Changing the Faces of Homelessness, a nonprofit service provider for the homeless. She’s known for her work as a case manager who has served the homeless and mental health population for over 20 years, according to her campaign.
Williams vows to start permanent supportive housing programs for the homeless.
“To rebuild our communities, we need to fund our inner-city nonprofit programs who are providing services within the community, develop permanent housing with supportive staff on site and bring real community resources to our youth by providing mind sustaining programs to prepare them for higher learning and employment opportunities,” Williams said on her campaign’s website.
Williams added: “Together, we will combat homelessness, rebuild our communities, fund our inner city non-profit programs and restore hope by coming together under one accord.”
The supervisorial seats are nonpartisan. It’s been 44 years since a sitting county supervisor has lost a reelection bid.
The L.A. County supervisors rank among the most influential local government officials nationwide. The five board members govern a county with approximately 10 million residents. Supervisors are elected to serve four-year terms and can remain in office for up to 12 consecutive years.