Lindsey Horvath announces she will not run for Los Angeles mayor in 2026 – NBC Los Angeles

Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath announced Friday night she will not run for mayor of Los Angeles in 2026, ending months of speculation about a potential bid and saying she will instead continue her work at the county level.

In a statement released Friday night, Horvath said she decided after “much prayer and many honest conversations” with her family, friends and political allies.

Horvath thanked supporters who had encouraged her to enter the mayoral race, saying their outreach reflected a shared belief that Los Angeles is ready for bold, new leadership.

“I’ve never been afraid to take on the status quo or those who protect it. That’s why you elected me to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and why we have been able to bring historic change to how it works,” Horvath said in a statement. 

Horvath said the work of the county is unfinished and argued that many of the region’s most pressing challenges, including affordability, compassion in governance, and long-term resilience, extend beyond city boundaries.

“The challenges facing our region do not adhere to city limits, and neither should our ambition,” she said. “LA County needs leadership willing to act with urgency, work at scale, and fight for a more affordable, more compassionate, and more resilient future.”

Horvath did not specify whether she plans to seek another office in the future.

“Our work in Los Angeles County is not yet finished, and the entire county deserves a brighter future, too,” said Horvath.

Saturday at noon is the deadline to file to become a candidate.

As of late Friday afternoon, 37 potential challengers had been issued papers to challenge Mayor Karen Bass, including eight who had been issued papers Friday, according to the Office of the City Clerk.