Isador Hall Challenges Kenneth Mejia in Controller Race
Former Compton City Council member and state legislator Isador Hall has officially kicked off his campaign to run against Los Angeles city controller Kenneth Mejia.
Mejia, who brought a fresh energy to the normally stable controller position during the 2022 elections, recently declared his intention to seek re-election earlier this month.
Hall, who has gathered significant support from various notable figures, contends that Mejia is too preoccupied with “social media tricks” rather than focusing on safeguarding taxpayer interests.
He emphasizes his experience and leadership skills, highlighting his long career in elected positions along with a master’s degree in management. Hall also pointed out his efforts to eliminate waste and fraud during his time in Compton.
Since moving to Los Angeles in 2016, Hall has previously represented parts of the city in Congress and the state Senate. He decided to enter the race after encouragement from several pastors and labor leaders, though he was hesitant to share more specifics about these discussions.
His list of supporters includes LA County supervisors Janice Hahn and Kathryn Barger, LA City Councilman Bob Blumenfield, California Treasurer Fiona Ma, Insurance Secretary Ricardo Lara, and several state legislators. If successful, Hall would become the first Black controller for the city. Mejia, who is Filipino-American, made history as the first Asian American to achieve a citywide office in Los Angeles.
Hall stated, “To be a proficient financial auditor is one thing…but you also need the right temperament and an understanding of governance.” He criticized Mejia’s management style, suggesting there’s inadequate communication with department heads and local leaders.
Mejia attempts to navigate the complexities of the city’s budget through regular social media updates. His office has conducted audits on various issues, including helicopter usage by the LA Police Department and metrics related to shelter beds for the homeless.
It’s still uncertain if other candidates will join the fray for the controller position, which stands as one of the three prominent citywide offices alongside the mayor and city attorney.
LA City Councilman Monica Rodriguez declined to discuss her future plans with the Times last week, but there are rumors that she might eye either the mayor or controller position.
The stark contrasts between Hall and Mejia represent two different factions within the Democratic Party, setting the stage for a politically charged contest against the backdrop of LA’s rising leftist movement.
Three years prior, Mejia created a significant political buzz, winning elections even before he was duly recognized. His unconventional campaign drew in young voters who were previously unaware of the controller role, shining a light on the responsibilities of LA’s chief accountant and auditor.
Mejia’s campaign coincided with diminished trust in LA’s city government, overshadowed by various financial scandals and candid discussions among council members that sometimes veered into racially charged territory. The upcoming election in 2026 raises questions about whether sentiments have shifted and what the term “veteran politician” might imply.
At 52, Hall began his political career on the Compton School Board in his mid-twenties and has nearly 15 years of experience. Unlike Mejia, now 34, Hall has gradually advanced through higher political offices, earning backing from pastors, labor unions, and community organizations that have long been pivotal in Southern LA politics.
After a tough congressional run in 2016, Hall was appointed by then-Governor Jerry Brown to the California Agricultural and Labor Relations Commission. Initially considered a potential frontrunner in his congressional bid, reports indicated that his opponent, Nanette Barragan, benefitted from connections to oil, alcohol, and tobacco industries.
Mejia first gained attention as a Green Party candidate for Congress, but it was his dynamic campaign style in 2022 that propelled him into the spotlight, featuring engaging TikTok videos and memorable visuals.
Critics described Mejia’s 2022 campaign as “extreme,” pointing to his unorthodox anti-political stance. He encountered challenges early on, including confusion among staff at city hall, but managed to handle the situation more quietly than some anticipated.
Once the campaign heats up, Mejia is likely to scrutinize Hall over several controversies, particularly related to campaign finance. During the 2014 Senate race, Hall faced backlash for allegedly using campaign funds for lavish expenses, including expensive dinners and luxury accommodations. His 2016 congressional campaign similarly drew accusations regarding improper spending of campaign funds.
A Federal Election Commission audit confirmed some discrepancies, although no punitive action was taken. Hall remarked last week that while he may not be a campaign finance expert, he ensures accountability for financial errors and has learned from past experiences.
