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. As of to date, this is the most recent time a Republican was elected mayor of Los Angeles. Municipal elections in California, including mayor of Los Angeles, are officially nonpartisan; candidates' party affiliations do not appear on the ballot.
Candidates
Tom Hayden, state senator Craig A. Honts Candido J. Marez Richard Riordan, incumbent mayor since 1993 Leonard Shapiro, candidate for governor in 1993
Campaign 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. Polls showed Riordan leading Hayden, with most of his support being from white people and Republicans. The Los Angeles County Federation of Labor pulled their support from Riordan and took a neutral stance for the two. In the election, Riordan won outright against Hayden and three other candidates.
Results
References and footnotes
External links Office of the City Clerk, City of Los Angeles