LA City Controller Race, Two Candidates Vie for the Position
The race for City Controller is between the incumbent - Kenneth Mejia, and Zach Sololoff. Mejia, first elected in 2022, has built his platform on radical transparency and making city data accessible to the public. Sokoloff is positioning himself as a results-oriented manager who can bridge the gap between information and impact.
Candidate Comparison
Kenneth Mejia
Professional Background Auditor/CPA
Primary Campaign Style Unconventional - Social media focused
Key Priority Public transparency and data visuals
View on City Hall “Outsider” holding power accountable;
Zach Sokoloff
Professional Background Asset Management/former teacher
Primary Campaign Style Traditional/Business-Backed
Key Priority Fiscal discipline, basic services
View on City Hall “Partner” approach to problem solving
Candidate Views and Platforms
Kenneth Mejia (Incumbent)
Mejia, first elected in 2022, has built his platform on radical transparency and making city data accessible to the public.
Transparency and Data Advocacy: His platform centers on "redefining" the role of the Controller by breaking down complex city budgets into easy-to-read visuals and maps (e.g., LAPD spending and housing data).
Independence: He recently announced he has left the Democratic Party (as of January 2024), citing a desire to remain independent of established political interests.
Social Justice Focus: He advocates for "care over punishment," often auditing programs related to mental health response and climate plans to highlight where city resources may be failing marginalized communities.
Charter Reform: He has proposed several recommendations to the Charter Reform Commission to increase the independence and authority of the Controller’s office.
Public Accountability: His tenure has been marked by using social media and interactive maps to track city spending on issues like homelessness and the LAPD.
Endorsements: LA Forward, California Working Families Party, and several progressive City Council members.
Zach Sokoloff
Sokoloff is positioning himself as a results-oriented manager who can bridge the gap between information and impact and a return to the basics.
Fiscal Discipline and Results: He criticizes the current administration's focus on social media and billboards, arguing that the Controller’s job should be about "impact" and ensuring basic services like safe and clean streets.
Collaborative Approach: His platform, "Partnering for Progress," emphasizes working with city departments rather than adopting an adversarial or "finger-pointing" stance.
Homelessness Auditing: He has proposed auditing every dollar spent on homelessness and affordable housing (citing the multi-billion dollar budgets of Measure ULA and Prop HHH) to identify why outcomes haven't improved.
Endorsements: Central City Association - various business chambers (BizFed, Hollywood Chamber), and former City Controller Laura Chick.
Compiled by Debra Shrout