1997 Los Angeles mayoral election

The 1997 Los Angeles mayoral election took place on April 8, 1997. Incumbent Richard Riordan won re-election against California State Senator and activist Tom Hayden.[1] As of to date, this is the most recent time a Republican was elected Mayor of Los Angeles.[2] Municipal elections in California, including Mayor of Los Angeles, are officially nonpartisan; candidates' party affiliations do not appear on the ballot.[3]

1997 Los Angeles mayoral election

← 1993 April 8, 1997 (1997-04-08) 2001 →
Turnout31.71%
 
Candidate Richard Riordan Tom Hayden
Popular vote 250,771 140,648
Percentage 61.49% 34.49%

Mayor before election

Richard Riordan

Elected Mayor

Richard Riordan

Election

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Hayden criticized Riordan for ignoring the environment and for not debating with him while Riordan criticized Hayden for his voting record as a State Senator.[4][5] Polls showed Riordan leading Hayden, with most of his support being from white people and Republicans.[6] The Los Angeles County Federation of Labor pulled their support from Riordan and took a neutral stance for the two.[7] In the election, Riordan won outright against Hayden and three other candidates.[8]

Results

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Los Angeles mayoral general election, April 8, 1997[9][10]
Candidate Votes %
Richard Riordan (incumbent) 250,771 61.49
Tom Hayden 140,648 34.49
Candido J. Marez 5,852 1.43
Leonard Shapiro 5,454 1.33
Craig A. Honts 5,065 1.24
Total votes 407,790 100.00

References and footnotes

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  1. ^ Clifford, Frank (June 9, 1993). "Riordan Wins Mayor's Race : Four New Members Elected to City Council : Election: Republican victor says he wants to bring business back to city and make it 'safe and friendly.' A new majority coalition emerges among electorate". Los Angeles Times.
  2. ^ Newton, Jim (2016). "CALIFORNIA REPUBLICANS: WHERE HAVE THEY GONE?". UCLA Blueprint.
  3. ^ "LOS ANGELES: STRUCTURE OF A CITY GOVERNMENT" (PDF). League of Women Voters.
  4. ^ Martin, Hugo (February 8, 1997). "Hayden Says Riordan Has Ignored Environment: Campaign: Challenger gets Sierra Club endorsement as mayor criticizes his voting record in Sacramento". Los Angeles Times.
  5. ^ Wilgoren, Jodi (March 21, 1997). "Hayden Uses Cutout to Rip Riordan: Politics: Challenger employs image to portray mayor as being silent on key issues and reluctant to debate. Riordan says he's busy running city". Los Angeles Times.
  6. ^ "Good Numbers Aren't Enough: Riordan shines in a poll, but the office demands far more of him". Los Angeles Times. February 5, 1997.
  7. ^ Stuart, SIlverstein; Newton, Jim (March 13, 1997). "Labor Might Pull Riordan Endorsement: Politics: Leaders are now expected to take neutral stance in contest between incumbent and Tom Hayden". Los Angeles Times.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  8. ^ "Riordan Is Re-elected Los Angeles Mayor". The New York Times. April 9, 1997.
  9. ^ "City of Los Angeles Primary Nomination Final - Official Election Results". Office of the City Clerk, City of Los Angeles.
  10. ^ "Los Angeles Mayor". Our Campaigns.
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