UPDATE: Hilda Solis has officially taken the gavel as the new chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, marking a significant leadership change for the five-member board that oversees 10 million residents. This transition occurred on Tuesday, December 2, 2023, as Solis succeeded Kathryn Barger, emphasizing her commitment to addressing pressing challenges ahead.
Solis, who represents East L.A. and the San Gabriel Valley, is stepping into this role for the third time, having previously served as chair in 2016 and 2021. With her term ending next year, Solis outlined urgent priorities for the board during her remarks, particularly in light of budgetary constraints. “The board will continue to contend with reductions in resources. We have to address a significant hold in our budget,” she stated.
The budget cuts stem from the HR1 budget bill passed by Congress, which will impact social services vital to low-income residents in LA County. “With so many cuts to federal services, the county needs to continue to be that safety net,” Solis emphasized, highlighting the board’s role in supporting vulnerable communities.
Solis’s focus on social services is timely as her leadership comes amid ongoing concerns regarding the impact of the Trump administration’s policies. She is also preparing for her next political move, announcing her candidacy for Congress after her term as supervisor concludes. Solis is expected to run in the newly formed California’s 38th Congressional District, a seat created by a recent statewide redistricting.
The new district will include key areas such as El Monte, Bell, and Diamond Bar, positioning Solis as a formidable candidate in the upcoming elections. Having previously served in the U.S. House of Representatives and as Secretary of Labor under President Obama, Solis brings a wealth of experience to her campaign.
“Supervisor Solis is a living legend,” said Third District Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, who praised Solis as a fighter for immigrant rights and a leader for this pivotal moment. Fourth District Supervisor Janice Hahn echoed this sentiment, recognizing Solis’s long-standing commitment to the immigrant community, which remains under threat from ongoing immigration raids.
In recognition of Barger’s contributions, the board acknowledged her leadership, particularly in establishing resources for victims of recent fires in the county. The board also unanimously voted Holly Mitchell as vice chair, further solidifying women’s leadership within the board.
As Solis settles into her new role, all eyes will be on the board’s actions in the coming months, particularly how they navigate the challenges posed by federal funding cuts and community needs. The decisions made now could have lasting implications for the services provided to LA County’s most vulnerable populations.
This leadership change is a critical moment for Los Angeles County as it prepares to face unprecedented challenges. Stay tuned for more updates as the board moves forward under Solis’s guidance.
