De Leon Concedes Defeat In Race For LA City Council District 14

LOS ANGELES, CA — Incumbent Kevin de León Friday formally conceded defeat putting to an end a months-long battle between the councilman and progressive challenger Ysabel Jurado in the race to represent Los Angeles 14th Council District.

Jurado, a tenant rights attorney, led 56.25%-43.75%, 36,019-28,019, according to figures released Friday by the Los Angeles County Registrar- Recorder/County Clerk.

It was unclear how many ballots remain to be tallied in the district. Mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day will also be accepted for up to a week.

The next update is scheduled to be announced at 4 p.m. Saturday.

"I want to express my deepest gratitude to the people of Council District 14 for the honor of serving these past four years, and to my supporters who stood by me with unwavering dedication to ensure our communities thrived," De León said in a statement.

"While the results of this election did not go our way, I respect the decision of the voters and our democratic process. I extend my congratulations to Ysabel Jurado on a well-fought campaign and wish her success in leading out district forward."

The councilman added he would be "helpful and make a smooth transition with her incoming team."

With early results leaning toward her favor, Jurado declared victory Thursday, which she described as direct result of her community's support.

"Thank you to every person who joined this campaign, who believed in this vision, and who fought for this victory. We are moving forward together and blazing a trail for the rest of the nation," Jurado said in a statement.

The two candidates were vying to represent a district that includes downtown Los Angeles, Boyle Heights, Lincoln Heights, El Sereno and Northeast Los Angeles.

De León had to overcome the political damage incurred when he was heard participating in a secretly recorded 2021 conversation in which crude and racist language was used.

At his election night gathering, the councilman noted that he faced challenges after the leaked recording -- and that he refused to quit, as many had called for him to do.

"It was too much if our district didn't have representation, so my staff and I rolled up our sleeves and we dug in deep to deliver the services, the programs and the funding we deserve here in CD 14, and even in the face of intense, relentless scrutiny and pressure, we didn't flinch," de León said. "We held strong for our community."

By JOSE HERRERA, City News Service