The most important 2026 LA political race is the county supervisor race, which is often overlooked due to high-profile city races. The LA County Board of Supervisors, which controls a budget of almost $50 billion, is more than three times larger than the City of Los Angeles' $14 billion. This money is allocated towards law enforcement, fire response, public health, mental health services, housing programs, and infrastructure directly impacts your community. While the mayor of LA covers only the city, a county supervisor in California can influence 88 cities and vast unincorporated areas. This role is not about performance but about operational power. The county also plays a significant role in funding and oversight for the Sheriff’s Department, jails, and alternative diversion programs.