Politics & Government

L.A. Council District 13 Candidates Choi, O'Farrell Meet in Silver Lake

The two candidates for the open City Council District 13 seat will face each other in the runoff on May 21.

Council District 13 candidates John Choi and Mitch O'Farrell engaged in what at least one observer tells us was a very civilized conversation Sunday evening at a small outdoor amphitheater in a private home in Silver Lake.

The two candidates for the open City Council District 13 seat will face each other in the runoff on May 21.

O'Farrell, a former senior adviser to mayoral candidate Eric Garcetti, attracted just over 18 percent of the vote during the primary election in March. Choi captured just under 17 percent of the vote to finish in second place.

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Former Assemblymember Jackie Goldberg declined to make an endorsement in the heated Council District 13 race last week.

In an email sent out Thursday, the former city councilmember outlined her recommendations on the many other city races up for a vote May 21, including mayor.

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But she failed to weigh in on who she thought should be the next person to take the Council District 13 seat: 

For the first time in memory, I have no endorsement for my own council district. Both John Choi and Mitch O’Farrell have things to recommend them; and both have shortcomings. John Choi is the labor candidate, and has some impressive endorsements. But Mitch O’Farrell has lots of grass roots support, and has worked for Garcetti in this district for years. He, too, has impressive endorsements. I leave it to each of you to figure out who best will serve our communities.

Goldberg has not been the only local politician reluctant to weigh in on the race. Garcetti, the current Council District 13 seat holder, remains uncommitted as well.

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