Lindsey Horvath Runs for First Elected Los Angeles County CEO

Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath announced her campaign on Monday to become the first elected chief executive officer of Los Angeles County. The position was established by the 2024 passage of Measure G, a governance reform package championed by Horvath. The elected CEO will manage a budget between $50 billion and $54 billion and oversee more than 100,000 employees, granting the office veto authority over board decisions and control over department heads.

Supervisor Kathryn Barger criticized the announcement as premature, arguing that the office's constitutionality remains unresolved. Barger cited a legal challenge from former federal judge Stephen Larson, which questions whether the California Constitution allows an elected executive to hold veto power or control contracts. Barger also raised ethical concerns, suggesting a conflict of interest for supervisors who voted to create a position they now seek, particularly given the role's lack of term limits and a potential salary of $558,000.

Horvath maintains that County Counsel found no conflict of interest and that no statutes preclude her run, describing the role as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reduce bureaucracy. Marcel Rodarte of the California Contract Cities Association expressed concern regarding potential service disruptions during the transition to this new governance structure. The primary election is scheduled for March 7, 2028, followed by a general election on November 7, 2028.