News Summary
Los Angeles City Councilmember Monica Rodriguez is at the center of political speculation after a recent social media post hinted at her potential candidacy for the 2026 elections. Rodriguez’s Instagram reel showcasing her search for running shoes has led many to ponder her political ambitions. Although Rodriguez has not confirmed her intentions, her critiques of Mayor Karen Bass’s policies are contributing to the buzz. As she navigates her options, including possibly running for Mayor or seeking re-election for her council seat, political analysts are closely watching her next moves.
Los Angeles – Speculation is swirling around Los Angeles City Councilmember Monica Rodriguez following a recent social media post that has sparked rumors of her potential candidacy in the 2026 elections. On Tuesday, Rodriguez shared an Instagram reel showing herself browsing for running shoes at a local Foot Locker, where she sought recommendations for suitable footwear for a run. While she has not explicitly stated her intention to run for office, her comments and actions have many wondering about her future political ambitions.
In an interview, Rodriguez described herself as an “avid precinct walker” and emphasized the need for supportive shoes for participating in an upcoming running activity, leading to further speculation about her plans. The married politician purchased a pair of Cloud 6 On running shoes during her visit to the store, which has only added fuel to the fire of political gossip.
As one of the representatives for North Valley, Rodriguez’s political aspirations are being closely scrutinized. There are three primary avenues being speculated regarding her potential candidacy: a challenge against current Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass in the 2026 election, a race against city controller Kenneth Mejia, or a re-election bid for her own council seat. Legal expert and board president of a moderate political action committee, Thrive LA, suggested that Rodriguez may be considering a run against Mayor Bass—a significant possibility given her history of opposing the mayor on key issues.
Rodriguez has publicly critiqued the Inside Safe homelessness program, accusing the administration of lacking transparency. She has expressed concern regarding the mayor’s handling of the homelessness state of emergency, calling for an end to the emergency despite her initial support. Furthermore, she has consistently requested timely financial reports about the spending related to the homelessness program, stating that detailed information about Inside Safe’s costs was not available until 2024.
In addition to her criticisms of homelessness policies, Rodriguez has also challenged decisions made by the mayor regarding public safety. Notably, she spoke out against the removal of Fire Chief Kristin Crowley after disastrous wildfires in January, advocating for Crowley’s reinstatement.
Rodriguez commenced her political journey in 2017 when she was first elected to represent the seventh district and subsequently re-elected in 2022. Should she decide to run for mayor, she would become the most significant challenger to Mayor Bass in the upcoming election. The potential race for the mayoral position is already heating up, with other possible candidates, including billionaire Rick Caruso, who is weighing his options between running for mayor or governor. Both Caruso and Rodriguez are generally viewed as more conservative than the current mayor.
Despite the growing buzz around her potential candidacy, Rodriguez has not yet filed for re-election for her current council seat, even as two other candidates have entered the race for the District 7 seat she currently holds, which adds layers of complexity to her future decisions. Political consultant Rick Taylor expressed doubts about Rodriguez’s chances of a successful mayoral run, citing the substantial financial challenges that come with campaigning in such a competitive political landscape.
As speculation continues, the political climate surrounding Rodriguez is intensifying. Her engagement with the local community and impactful social media presence keeps discussions about her next steps alive, making her future political trajectory a point of interest among constituents and political analysts alike.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Monica Rodriguez Speculation
- Google Search: Monica Rodriguez
- Spectrum News: Monica Rodriguez Interview
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Los Angeles
- USA Today: Kristin Crowley Firing Appeal
- Google News: Los Angeles Homelessness
- NBC Los Angeles: LA City Council News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: City Council
Author: STAFF HERE HOLLYWOOD
The Hollywood Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHollywood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hollywood, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Hollywood Bowl summer concerts, the Hollywood Christmas Parade, film premieres at TCL Chinese Theatre, and festivals at the Magic Castle. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and Visit Hollywood, plus leading businesses in entertainment, dining, and tourism that define the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HEREAnaheim.com, and HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
