UPDATE: In a surprising political shift, real estate executive Zach Sokoloff has announced his candidacy for Los Angeles City Controller, challenging incumbent Kenneth Mejia ahead of the crucial June 2026 election. Sokoloff, a senior vice president at Hackman Capital Partners, recently navigated the approval of a $1 billion redevelopment project at the historic Television City, showcasing his ability to maneuver through complex city regulations.
With the election just months away, Sokoloff aims to capitalize on his recent success in the real estate sector to unseat Mejia, who has garnered significant public support since his election in 2022, securing more votes than any other candidate in city history. Sokoloff’s campaign focuses on improving city government transparency and engagement, promising “leadership through listening” to address the pressing issues facing Angelenos.
Mejia, known for his savvy social media presence and commitment to transparency, will be a formidable opponent. His office has successfully implemented policy changes such as the introduction of a chief financial officer position and multi-year budgeting. Mejia’s spokesperson, Jane Nguyen, emphasized that their audits have led to tangible improvements in city oversight and services, saying, “This work is ‘moving the needle’ and making a difference in city policies.”
Political analysts, including Fernando Guerra from Loyola Marymount University, suggest Sokoloff faces an uphill battle given Mejia’s incumbency and public recognition. “Voters will likely stick with him unless there’s serious negative publicity,” Guerra stated.
Sokoloff’s campaign launch comes amid ongoing legal challenges to the Television City redevelopment, with lawsuits filed by local neighborhood groups and Rick Caruso, the developer of The Grove, questioning the project’s compliance with California’s environmental regulations (CEQA). Local resident Shelley Wagers, who opposes the project, expressed skepticism about Sokoloff’s listening skills, stating, “Not in my experience, no.”
Despite these challenges, Sokoloff is optimistic. He highlights the unanimous support his project received during the city’s approval process, asserting, “We built a broad and diverse coalition of supporters.” He has already secured a significant endorsement from former city controller Laura Chick, who described Sokoloff as an “active problem solver” capable of enhancing the city’s efficiency.
As the race heats up, the political landscape in Los Angeles is set for a showdown. With pressing issues such as homelessness, public safety, and budgetary constraints dominating the agenda, the next city controller will play a critical role in shaping the future of L.A. Residents are urged to stay informed as this election unfolds, with the potential for significant impacts on city governance and community welfare.
With the election drawing near, both candidates will likely ramp up their campaigns, focusing on outreach to constituents and addressing the pressing needs of the city. The outcome will not only determine the future direction of L.A.’s finances but will also reflect the community’s priorities moving forward.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as the race for Los Angeles City Controller intensifies.