“Fed up” residents in Los Angeles’ Council District 11 opted for a former Republican attorney, Traci Park, to represent the Westside, despite the incoming squad of progressive candidates winning in three other districts in the Nov. 8 election.
Park, who left the Republican Party more than 18 years ago and is now a registered Democrat, defeated civil rights attorney Erin Darling on Nov. 17 following Darling’s concession in the race to replace outgoing Councilman Mike Bonin—who decided to not seek reelection, citing mental health issues. By Nov. 19, Park had 52.06 percent of the vote versus Darling’s 47.94 percent.
