(Vowing to Carry Black-Latino Legacy, Jose Ugarte Emerges as Frontrunner)
In a historic move that reflects both the changing demographics and enduring legacy of South Los Angeles, outgoing L.A. City Councilmember Curren Price selected his longtime chief of staff, Jose Ugarte, a Latino, as his successor in the 9th District — a seat that for has been long-held by Black elected officials. The decision sparked a mixture of curiosity, concern, and hope across the district, but for Ugarte, the moment is not about replacing a Black legacy — it’s about continuing it with reverence and resolve.
“My first job out of college was as an intern for the African American Caucus, not the Latino Caucus,” Ugarte recalled. “That’s who gave me my start. I’ve never forgotten that, and I never will.” His career in public service officially began in 2013 when Price hired him as a young staffer. Since then, Ugarte has risen through the ranks — from driver to deputy chief of staff — a journey he credits to Price’s belief in hard work, integrity, and servant leadership. “Because of Curren, I own a home. Because of Curren, I’ve learned how to govern, how to build bridges across communities, how to lead with compassion.”
Price, for his part, says his choice was grounded in both pragmatism and principle. “The political realities of the district — which is about 80% Latino — made it clear that if the next representative wasn’t going to be African American, it needed to be someone who was a trusted friend to the Black community. Jose is that person,” Price said. “He has a deep commitment to Black and Brown coalition building. Both communities face similar challenges — housing, jobs, job training, economic development — those core issues haven’t changed. He’s been right there with me for 13 years. He understands the issues that matter most to our communities.”
Indeed, the 9th District has long been the heart of Black Los Angeles, with leaders like Gilbert Lindsay, Rita Walters, and Jan Perry shaping policy and progress for decades. But the demographic shift is undeniable. Once a majority-Black district, it is now overwhelmingly Latino — a reality that Ugarte, who moved to South LA as a child, has lived firsthand. “When I moved in, my block was all Black,” he said. “Today, there’s only one Black family left. But while the faces have changed, the issues haven’t. High crime, poverty, homelessness, underfunded schools — those challenges are still here, and we have to meet them head-on.”
Ugarte is quick to affirm that demographic shifts should not mean a shift away from Black representation or priorities. “I’m committed to building a coalition that respects the people who came before us,” he said. That commitment includes policies that explicitly name African Americans to ensure equity is not just promised but delivered. “When we negotiate local hiring agreements, I won’t just say ‘minorities.’ I’ll say African Americans, because if you don’t spell it out, those jobs won’t go to Black residents. We’ve seen it time and again.”
Price echoed that confidence in Ugarte’s leadership. “He’s been a strong policy advocate — working alongside me on initiatives like raising the minimum wage, Ban the Box, guaranteed income, and affordable housing. He didn’t just support those policies — he helped craft and implement them. He understands the challenges and the opportunities, and he’s a skilled tactician.”
Ugarte points to the Lucas Museum and BMO Stadium projects — both built in the district — as models of how to tie development to community investment. “We fought hard for local hire requirements. We asked for 20 percent, they gave us 30. That’s 30 percent of those jobs going to people who live right here.” Still, he acknowledges that development must be done responsibly. “We’ve said no to luxury condos that don’t serve our people. I’d rather stop a project than start a wave of displacement. This district is still one of the few affordable places left in L.A., and we want to keep it that way.”
On public safety, Ugarte supports policing, but not as it has traditionally been practiced in underserved neighborhoods. He helped implement the Community Safety Partnership (CSP) model at South Park, bringing in carefully vetted officers with roots in the community. “We interviewed every officer. Half were Black, half were Brown, most were women. And in seven years, we haven’t had one complaint,” he said. “That’s what community-based policing looks like. That’s the future.”
Asked how he would ensure Black voices remain central in a district that is now majority Latino, Ugarte pointed to culture, worship, and policy. “We’re not Black or Latino. We’re South LA. We honor the past — like making sure Second Baptist Church is formally recognized as a historic anchor in the community — and we invest in the future by making room for all who live here now.” At the same time, he says, policymakers must understand cultural nuance, particularly when it comes to issues like healthcare. “Black women face specific health disparities that Latino women don’t. As a policymaker, I can’t write broad policies and expect equity to magically happen. I have to write policies that name and serve Black women as well.”
Despite criticisms from some who say his appointment by Curren Price gives him an unfair advantage, Ugarte doesn’t shy away from his origin story. “I started as a driver. I earned every step up. Curren saw something in me — that I work hard, I love this community, and I’m grounded in faith. That’s why he chose me, and I’m humbled by that.” Price added, “No one else comes close in terms of background, training, and experience. And frankly, he’s already raised more money than anyone else in the race — close to $200,000 — and he has more endorsements, especially from labor and key community organizations.”
Still, Ugarte recognizes generational differences. At 38, he brings a modern lens to policy, especially around transparency and technology. “People get their information on their phones. I want to meet them there. Not with gimmicks, but with substance — live updates on votes, explainer videos on policy, real-time engagement.” He also plans to champion new transportation solutions — including metro lines along Vermont and Slauson — to better connect South LA to job centers, reduce traffic, and improve air quality. “Other cities have done it. We can too. Our people deserve world-class infrastructure.”
Ultimately, Ugarte says his decision to run was inspired not by politics but by fatherhood. “When my daughter Loxley was born two years ago, I didn’t want to run. I wanted to be present. But then I thought about the kind of city I want her to grow up in. I want her to be proud of me. I want to be able to tell her I didn’t sit back when I had the chance to make a difference.”
If elected, Ugarte says success will mean no displacement, more jobs, more places to shop and dine in the district, and young people growing up with opportunities — maybe even one day producing an Olympian from South LA, thanks to the investment he hopes to bring ahead of the 2028 Games. “Success means people can live, work, and play here. Not just survive — thrive. That’s what I’m working for.” Asked what makes him different from other candidates, Ugarte says it’s simple. “This district raised me. I’ve lived here, worked here, and now I’m raising my daughter here. I understand the power of coalition — of Black and Brown working together. That’s not a slogan for me. That’s my life.”