Is becoming mayor of Los Angeles tantamount to political career suicide? Nearly a century of historical data says yes.

​

One would think that ​running the second-largest city in the country is a logical stepping stone to the governor's office or a Senate seat. The historical data tells a different story. Looking at the previous 10 mayors of Los Angeles—covering nearly a century from the late 1920s to 2022—the trend is clear: 9 out of 10 never won another election after leaving City Hall.

​

​When former LA mayors attempt a run for higher office or try to reclaim their previous seat, voters consistently reject them.

​Antonio Villaraigosa (2005–2013): Termed out. Ran for California governor in 2018 and finished third in the top-two primary, missing the general election ballot. (He is currently running for governor again in the 2026 cycle).

​Richard Riordan (1993–2001): Left office with strong statewide approval metrics. Ran for governor in 2002 and was defeated in the Republican primary by Bill Simon.

​Sam Yorty (1961–1973): Lost his re-election bid to Tom Bradley. Eight years later, he ran as a challenger in the 1981 mayoral race. He was defeated 63.8% to 32.2%.

​John C. Porter (1929–1933): Lost re-election. Attempted a mayoral comeback in 1941 and failed to advance past the primary, securing just 9.5% of the vote.

​Lacking viable electoral paths, recent mayors have shifted to appointed government roles.

​Eric Garcetti (2013–2022): Termed out with approval ratings in the low 30s. Nominated for U.S. Ambassador to India. The confirmation process stalled in the Senate for 17 months amid investigations into his staff, eventually passing three months after his mayoral term expired.

​James Hahn (2001–2005): The first incumbent LA mayor to lose a re-election bid in 32 years. His electoral career ended there. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger later appointed him as a Superior Court judge. (Riordan also accepted an appointment from Schwarzenegger as California Secretary of Education).

​

​The remaining mayors either exited politics voluntarily or were forced out by voters.

​Tom Bradley (1973–1993): Campaigned for governor twice during his 20-year tenure as mayor, losing both times. Following the 1992 riots and an economic recession, his approval ratings dropped. He opted not to run for a sixth term and retired.

​Norris Poulson (1953–1961): Defeated in his re-election bid by Sam Yorty and never sought elected office again.

​Frank L. Shaw (1933–1938): Recalled by voters and removed from office amid extensive municipal corruption scandals.

​The Single Exception

​Out of the last ten mayors, only one successfully secured an elected position post-mayorship.

​Fletcher Bowron (1938–1953): Defeated in his 1953 mayoral re-election bid. Three years later, Bowron ran for a Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge seat in 1956 and won.

​The historical record is straightforward. Serving as the Mayor of Los Angeles is a job no one should want.