Endorsements: Imelda Padilla has received the endorsement of some local and state groups, including Laborers Local Union Local 300, East Area Progressive Democrats, and Latinas Lead California. She has also received the endorsement of several local officials including three members of the Los Angeles Unified School District Board, Dr. George McKenna III, Rocío Rivas, and Scott Schmerelson, and District 7 LA City Council Member Monica Rodriguez, and Rep. Tony Cardenas. 

Electoral History: Padilla ran for a seat on the Los Angeles Unified School District board in 2017, advancing to the run-off with 31% of the vote. She lost to a challenger in the general election by 3 points.

Top Issues: Homelessness and housing, community policing, improving public infrastructure, library improvements, and youth workforce development

Governance and Community Leadership Experience: Padilla is a community organizer who has worked for Heritage Sierra Medical Center, Los Angeles County Women and Girls Initiative, and Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy. In these roles, she liaised with communities and local elected officials to increase access to local programs and resources. Although she supports ordinance 41.18, Padilla has also advocated for continued action to address homelessness and housing, including a repeal of Municipal Code 85.02, which moves RV housing to industrial parks and disrupts the parking access of business owners and customers. As a member of City Council, she would seek to provide regional leadership in police reform, improving economic development, supporting green infrastructure, and funding recreation programming for young people.

Other background: Padilla is a lifelong resident of the San Fernando Valley. 

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Padilla’s campaign has raised $422,000 and has not received donations from police, corporate PAC, or fossil fuel interests. However, she did receive donations from police and fossil fuel interests during her 2017 run for LAUSD.