Kenneth Mejia

Last updated

Mejia announced his candidacy for City Controller, a nonpartisan office, in the 2022 Los Angeles elections. [25] It has been historically uncommon for the city controller to have extensive accounting experience; Mejia claims the office has never been held by a CPA. [10] He was the only city candidate in 2022 to receive ballot access through signatures alone. [4] During his candidacy, Mejia drew attention to LA fire department employees receiving more than half a million dollars a year, the use of about half of the city's funds from the American Rescue Plan on the LA police department, and the amount of police funding in the budget proposed in 2022 by Mayor Eric Garcetti. [26] [27] [28] [25] [29]

On June 7, 2022, Mejia took first place in the primary for LA City Controller, with over 230,163 votes. He obtained 42.75% of the vote, while opponents Paul Koretz and Stephanie Clements obtained 23.83% and 16.01%. [30] On November 8, 2022, Mejia won the general election in a landslide with 62% of the vote, defeating Koretz. [3]

Tenure

Mejia appointed Rick Cole to serve as his Chief Deputy Controller and Sergio Perez to serve as Chief of Accountability and Oversight. Cole is an Urban Studies Professor and was the former mayor of Pasadena and deputy mayor for Los Angeles. Sergio Perez left his position as the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power's Inspector General to serve. [31]

Electoral history

2016 California's 34th congressional district election

Kenneth Mejia
Kenneth Mejia, 2022.jpg
Mejia in 2022
20th City Controller of Los Angeles
Incumbent
Assumed office
December 12, 2022
California's 34th congressional district election, 2016 [32] [33]
Primary election
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic Xavier Becerra (incumbent)71,98277.6
Democratic Adrienne Nicole Edwards19,62421.2
Democratic Kenneth Mejia (write-in)1,1771.3
Total votes92,783 100.0
General election
Democratic Xavier Becerra (incumbent) 122,842 77.2
Democratic Adrienne Nicole Edwards36,31422.8
Total votes159,156 100.0
Democratic hold

2017 California's 34th congressional district special election

California's 34th congressional district special election, 2017 [34]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic Jimmy Gomez 10,728 25.5
Democratic Robert Lee Ahn 9,415 22.2
Democratic Maria Cabildo4,25910.1
Democratic Sara Hernandez2,3585.6
Democratic Arturo Carmona2,2055.2
Democratic Wendy Carrillo 2,1955.2
Green Kenneth Mejia1,9644.6
Democratic Yolie Flores1,3683.2
Republican William Morrison1,3603.2
Democratic Tracy Van Houten1,0422.5
Democratic Alejandra Campoverdi 1,0012.4
Democratic Vanessa Aramayo8532.0
Democratic Sandra Mendoza6741.6
Democratic Steven Mac6631.6
Democratic Raymond Meza5091.2
No party preference Mark Edward Padilla4271.0
Democratic Ricardo De La Fuente 3310.8
Libertarian Angela McArdle 3190.7
Democratic Adrienne Nicole Edwards1820.4
Democratic Richard Joseph Sullivan1550.4
Democratic Armando Sotomayor1180.3
Democratic Tenaya Wallace1030.2
Democratic Melissa "Sharkie" Garza790.2
Democratic Michelle Walker (write-in)00.0
Total votes42,308 100.0

2018 California's 34th congressional district election

California's 34th congressional district election, 2018 [35] [36]
Primary election
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic Jimmy Gomez (incumbent)54,66178.7
Green Kenneth Mejia8,98712.9
Libertarian Angela Elise McArdle 5,8048.4
Total votes69,452 100.0
General election
Democratic Jimmy Gomez (incumbent) 110,195 72.5
Green Kenneth Mejia41,71127.5
Total votes151,906 100.0
Democratic hold

2022 Los Angeles City Controller election

2022 Los Angeles City Controller election
Primary election
CandidateVotes %
Kenneth Mejia240,37443.12
Paul Koretz 131,92123.67
Stephanie Clements88,67815.91
David T. Vahedi39,2407.04
James O'Gabhann III21,9843.94
Reid Lidow21,7693.90
Rob Wilcox13,4602.41
Total votes557,426 100.00
General election
Kenneth Mejia509,75763.32%
Paul Koretz 295,33836.68%
Total votes805,095 100.00

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2001 Los Angeles mayoral election</span>

The 2001 Los Angeles mayoral election took place on April 10, 2001, with a run-off election on June 5, 2001. Incumbent mayor Richard Riordan was prevented from running for a third term because of term limits. In the election to replace him, then-City Attorney James Hahn defeated Antonio Villaraigosa, the former speaker of the California State Assembly.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Janice Hahn</span> American politician (born 1952)

Janice Kay Hahn is an American politician serving as a member of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors from the 4th district since 2016. A member of the Democratic Party, she was a U.S. Representative from California from 2011 to 2016, elected in the 36th congressional district until 2013 and later in the 44th congressional district. She was previously a member of the Los Angeles City Council, representing the 15th district from 2001 to 2011. From 1997 to 1999, she served as an elected representative on the Los Angeles Charter Reform Commission.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Paul Koretz</span> American politician

Paul Koretz is an American politician, who served as a member of the Los Angeles City Council for the 5th district from 2009 until he was term-limited in 2022. He was previously a member of the California State Assembly and the West Hollywood City Council.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rick Cole</span> American politician

Rick Cole is an American politician and former journalist who is a member-elect of the Pasadena City Council since 2024. Previously, he served as a councilmember from 1983 until 1995 and as Pasadena's mayor from 1992 until 1994. Cole also held positions as the city manager for Azusa, Ventura, and Santa Monica, as well as Deputy Mayor of Los Angeles under Eric Garcetti and Deputy Los Angeles City Controller under Kenneth Mejia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tony Strickland</span> American politician

Anthony A. Strickland is an American politician who is a member of the City Council of Huntington Beach, California. He was mayor of Huntington Beach from 2022 to 2023. During his tenure as mayor, he was involved in conflicts with the state of California due to his opposition to new housing.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2012 United States Senate election in California</span>

The 2012 United States Senate election in California took place on November 6, 2012, concurrently with the 2012 U.S. presidential election as well as other elections to the United States Senate and House of Representatives and various state and local elections.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jimmy Gomez</span> American politician (born 1974)

Jimmy Gomez is an American politician serving as the U.S. representative for California's 34th congressional district since 2017. His district includes the Los Angeles neighborhoods of Eagle Rock, Boyle Heights, Downtown Los Angeles, Koreatown, and other communities. A member of the Democratic Party, Gomez served in the California State Assembly from 2012 to 2017.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2018 United States Senate election in California</span>

The 2018 United States Senate election in California took place on November 6, 2018, to elect a member of the United States Senate to represent California, concurrently with other elections to the United States Senate, elections to the United States House of Representatives, and various state and local elections.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2022 United States Senate elections in California</span>

Two 2022 United States Senate elections in California were held concurrently on November 8, 2022, to elect a member of the United States Senate to represent the State of California. There were two ballot items for the same Class 3 seat: a special election to fill the seat for the final weeks of the 117th United States Congress, and a general election for a full term, starting in the 118th United States Congress.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2018 United States House of Representatives elections in California</span>

The 2018 United States House of Representatives elections in California were held on November 6, 2018, with the primary elections being held on June 5, 2018. Voters elected the 53 U.S. representatives from the state of California, one from each of the state's 53 congressional districts. The elections coincided with the elections of other offices, including a gubernatorial election, other elections to the House of Representatives, elections to the United States Senate, and various state and local elections.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2017 California's 34th congressional district special election</span>

A special election was held on June 6, 2017, to elect the member of the United States House of Representatives for California's 34th congressional district. A special open primary election was held on April 4, 2017.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2018 California State Senate election</span>

The 2018 California State Senate elections were held on Tuesday, November 6, 2018, with the primary election being held on June 5, 2018. Voters in the 20 even-numbered districts of the California State Senate elected their representatives. The elections coincided with the elections of other offices, including for governor and the California State Assembly.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2024 United States Senate elections in California</span> Elections for Californias class 1 Senate seat

Two 2024 United States Senate elections in California were held on November 5, 2024, to elect a member of the United States Senate to represent the state of California. There were two ballot items for the same Class 1 seat: a special election to fill the seat for the final month of the 118th United States Congress, and a regular general election for a full term that starts on January 3, 2025, starting in the 119th United States Congress. This was the second time in a row that both a regular and special election for the U.S. Senate occurred simultaneously in California, following the 2022 elections.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2020 United States House of Representatives elections in California</span>

The 2020 United States House of Representatives elections in California were held on November 3, 2020, to elect the 53 U.S. representatives from the state of California, one from each of the state's 53 congressional districts. The elections coincided with the 2020 U.S. presidential election, as well as other elections to the United States House of Representatives, elections to the United States Senate, and various state and local elections.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Maebe A. Girl</span> American drag queen and politician

Maebe A. Girl is an American drag queen and politician. She came to prominence as the first drag queen ever elected to public office in the United States, after being elected to the Silver Lake Neighborhood Council in Los Angeles in 2019. Girl is non-binary and uses she/her and they/them pronouns.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2022 California Attorney General election</span>

The 2022 California Attorney General election was held on November 8, 2022, to elect the Attorney General of California. Incumbent Democratic Attorney General Rob Bonta was appointed to the office on April 23, 2021, following the resignation of Xavier Becerra to become the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services. Bonta won a full term.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2022 California State Controller election</span>

The 2022 California State Controller election was held on November 8, 2022, to elect the California State Controller. Due to strict absolute lifetime term limit laws, incumbent Democratic State Controller Betty Yee was ineligible to run for a third term. Democrat Malia Cohen won the election, defeating Republican Lanhee Chen. Despite Chen's loss, the race was the closest of the 2022 elections in California, and Chen received more votes than any Republican candidate in the 2022 national election cycle. Chen flipped ten counties, the most that any candidate had flipped in California that year. Chen also won four congressional districts held by Democrats, while Cohen won no congressional districts held by Republicans.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2017 Los Angeles elections</span>

The 2017 Los Angeles elections were held on March 7, 2017, in Los Angeles, California. Voters elected candidates in a nonpartisan primary, with runoff elections scheduled for May 16, 2017. Eight of the fifteen seats in the City Council were up for election, as well as the offices of Mayor, City Attorney and City Controller. Four ballot measures were also on the ballot.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2022 Los Angeles County elections</span>

The 2022 Los Angeles County elections were held on November 8, 2022, in Los Angeles County, California, with nonpartisan blanket primary elections for certain offices being held on June 7. Two of the five seats of the Board of Supervisors were up for election, as well as two of the countywide elected officials, the Sheriff and the Assessor. In addition, elections were held for the Superior Court, along with two ballot measures.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2022 Los Angeles City Controller election</span>

The 2022 Los Angeles City Controller election was held on held on November 8, 2022, to elect the Los Angeles City Controller. Incumbent City Controller Ron Galperin was unable to seek a third term due to term limits, and unsuccessfully ran for California State Controller. However, he was serving an extended second term due to a law that shifted election dates from an off-year election to a midterm and statewide election year. Certified Public Accountant Kenneth Mejia defeated city councilmember Paul Koretz to become the 20th City Controller.

References

  1. ↑ "Meet Kenneth". April 15, 2022. Archived from the original on April 15, 2022. Retrieved April 15, 2022.
  2. 1 2 3 simonchinivizyan (June 3, 2022). "Kenneth Mejia, City Controller Race Frontrunner, Claimed Bogus CPA Status For Years". Los Angeles Magazine. Retrieved June 17, 2022.
  3. 1 2 "Election Results". results.lavote.gov. Retrieved November 9, 2022.
  4. 1 2 Regardie, Jon (March 14, 2022). "Election L.A. 2022: Angelenos Will Have a Lot of Choices on June 7". Los Angeles Magazine. Retrieved April 10, 2022.
  5. 1 2 Stack, Liam (August 1, 2018). "Green Party, Eyeing the 2020 Presidential Race, Prepares for the Midterms". The New York Times. ISSN   0362-4331 . Retrieved April 10, 2022.
  6. ↑ "LA-based Filipino American candidates sound off on political, police accountability —". Asian Journal News. June 20, 2021. Retrieved April 10, 2022.
  7. ↑ Radio, Southern California Public (March 29, 2017). "34th District: Meet the candidates vying to replace Xavier Becerra". Southern California Public Radio. Retrieved April 11, 2022.
  8. 1 2 3 "Alumni Mejia Write In Campaign". Woodbury University. May 25, 2016. Retrieved April 10, 2022.
  9. 1 2 "Congressional candidate Kenneth Mejia on going Green and growing up Fil-Am —". Asian Journal News. September 8, 2018. Retrieved April 11, 2022.
  10. 1 2 Wisti, Erin (April 13, 2022). "Kenneth Mejia Wants You to Know How LA is Spending Your Tax Dollars". Knock LA. Retrieved April 14, 2022.
  11. ↑ "Kenneth Mejia Contributions" (PDF).
  12. ↑ Mejia, Kenneth. "Meet Kenneth". Archived from the original on April 15, 2022. Retrieved April 15, 2022.
  13. ↑ "What Does a Progressive City Controller Look Like? Kenneth Mejia Will Tell You". RIFT Magazine. Retrieved April 10, 2022.
  14. ↑ "Essential Politics: State Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra to open Washington office, cap-and-trade auction revenue results are revealed". Los Angeles Times. March 2, 2017. Retrieved April 10, 2022.
  15. ↑ "Essential Politics: Archived stories from December 2016". Los Angeles Times. January 3, 2017. Retrieved April 10, 2022.
  16. ↑ Cook, Rhodes (November 12, 2019). America Votes 33: 2017-2018, Election Returns by State. SAGE Publications. ISBN   978-1-5443-5446-0.
  17. ↑ Mai-Duc, Christine (March 15, 2017). "The latest test of the Bernie Sanders movement may be in this L.A. race for Congress". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved April 10, 2022.
  18. ↑ "California Needs Kenneth Mejia in Congress. An Interview with the Green Party's Rising Star". HuffPost. April 2, 2017. Retrieved April 10, 2022.
  19. ↑ "Inside the Campaign of Green Party Congressional Candidate Kenneth Mejia". Truthdig: Expert Reporting, Current News, Provocative Columnists. April 2017. Retrieved April 10, 2022.
  20. ↑ "California politics updates: Gov. Brown takes his transportation plan on the road, 'sanctuary state' bill amended". Los Angeles Times. April 7, 2017. Retrieved April 10, 2022.
  21. ↑ Medenilla, Klarize (June 8, 2018). "Some Fil-Am congressional candidates advance to Calif. general election". INQUIRER.net USA. Retrieved April 10, 2022.
  22. ↑ https://elections.cdn.sos.ca.gov/sov/2018-general/sov/48-congress.pdf [ bare URL PDF ]
  23. ↑ "Green Party of the United States", Wikipedia, April 14, 2022, retrieved April 15, 2022
  24. ↑ It's not easy to run, he says, but it's worth it - CNN Video, October 29, 2018, retrieved April 12, 2022
  25. 1 2 Romero, Joaquin (August 27, 2021). "These Progressive Candidates Want to Transform LA in 2022". The Nation. ISSN   0027-8378 . Retrieved April 10, 2022.
  26. ↑ "Column: To anti-vax firefighters, bye-bye. Now let's build back better at the LAFD". Los Angeles Times. December 4, 2021. Retrieved April 10, 2022.
  27. ↑ "Update: At The Peak of The Defund Era, L.A. Received $600 million in COVID Relief, Half Went to LAPD". L.A. TACO. March 22, 2022. Retrieved April 10, 2022.
  28. ↑ "California cities spent huge share of federal Covid relief funds on police". the Guardian. April 7, 2022. Retrieved April 10, 2022.
  29. ↑ "Revealed: LAPD used 'strategic communications' firm to track 'defund the police' online". the Guardian. December 15, 2021. Retrieved April 10, 2022.
  30. ↑ "Election Results". results.lavote.gov. Retrieved June 11, 2022.
  31. ↑ "DWP's first inspector general leaves after seven months". Los Angeles Times. December 2, 2022. Retrieved December 7, 2022.
  32. ↑ "Primary Election - Statement of Vote, June 7, 2016" (PDF). California Secretary of State. Retrieved May 25, 2022.
  33. ↑ "General Election - Statement of Vote, November 8, 2016" (PDF). California Secretary of State. Retrieved January 4, 2017.
  34. ↑ "Final Official Election Results - Congressional District 34 Special Primary Election, April 4, 2017". California Secretary of State. April 4, 2017. Retrieved August 16, 2019.
  35. ↑ "2018 California primary election results" (PDF). Retrieved June 10, 2019.
  36. ↑ "2018 California general election results" (PDF). Retrieved June 10, 2019.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.