Hutt Appears Poised to Win Full Term in L.A. City Council 10th District Seat
Heather Hutt — the incumbent appointed to the L.A. City Council from District 10 after her predecessor, Mark Ridley-Thomas, was convicted on federal corruption charges — appeared headed Tuesday evening for a full four-year term, as she held a big lead in her first time facing voters.
In results as of late Tuesday night, Hutt was ahead of challenger Grace Yoo by a nearly 25% margin. Hutt received 25,749 votes, or about 62%, while attorney Yoo stood at 15,532 votes, or about 38%, according to the L.A. County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk.
The 10th District encompasses the neighborhoods of Arlington Heights, Koreatown, Mid-City, Palms, South Robertson, West Adams and Wilshire Center.
According to a spokesperson for Hutt's campaign, the councilwoman is "proud of the work" she and her team have done, and she feels "lucky to be part of this process and have her communities trust in her."
A representative for Yoo's campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Voters had an opportunity this election to weigh in on who they believed would best represent them after Ridley-Thomas' conviction for crimes committed while he was on the L.A. County Board of Supervisors. Hutt was appointed by the council last year to fill out Ridley-Thomas' unexpired term.
Yoo had previously challenged Herb Wesson for the seat in 2015, and then Ridley-Thomas in 2020.
While supporters hailed Hutt's 2023 appointment, critics argued the council should have called a special election for CD10 voters to choose their representative.
In an interview with City News Service, Hutt said she hoped to secure a full four-year term and continue representing a district that's been home to her family for almost 100 years.
Hutt also described the 10th District as a tapestry, with cultural destinations such as Little Ethiopia, Koreatown, Little Bangladesh, the Oaxacan Corridor, Mid-City and Leimert Park, among others.
"These different communities with all their value in the rich culture are something that I truly understand, and I'm here to represent all of it," Hutt said.
Hutt touted her efforts on assisting the unhoused population, noting an estimated 12% drop in homelessness due various operations.
The councilwoman also highlighted her work as chair of the council's Transportation Committee, and leading efforts to reduce speeding.
Hutt previously served as the statewide director to then-U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris, and served as the chief of staff to former Councilman Wesson.
Meanwhile, Yoo, in a recent sit-down with CNS, said she was running again because she "saw the corruption," Yoo added.
She told CNS that regular people want the government working for them, and want city services in a timely fashion.
"I'm running because I know I can do good for more people," Yoo said.
