County Executive: Los Angeles County's New Elected Leadership
A significant shift in local governance is coming to Los Angeles County. Following the approval of Measure G by county voters in 2024, the region is transitioning toward a new model of leadership with the creation of the office of the County Executive.
This change marks a fundamental evolution in how the county is managed, moving the primary leadership role from an appointed or board-selected position to one determined directly by the electorate.
The Transition of Power
Starting in 2028, the County Executive will be elected for the first time. This official will be chosen through a countywide election to serve a four-year term. Upon taking office, the County Executive will assume the role of the elected leader of the county government, a responsibility previously held by the Chair of the Board of Supervisors.
A Historic Precedent in California and the U.S.
The establishment of this office places Los Angeles County in a rare category of local governance. The Los Angeles County Executive will be only the second directly-elected executive of a county government in the state of California. The first is the Mayor of San Francisco, who has led San Francisco County since its consolidation in 1856.
On a national scale, this move is even more significant. The County Executive will become the directly-elected executive of the most populous county-level government in the United States, bringing a new level of direct accountability to one of the largest administrative bodies in the country.
Integration with Existing County Offices
The County Executive will join a small group of officials elected by the entire county. This office will become the fourth county-wide elected position in Los Angeles County, serving alongside the following established roles:
- The Sheriff
- The District Attorney
- The County Assessor
Key Facts
- Origin: Created via the approval of Measure G in 2024.
- First Election: Scheduled for 2028.
- Term Length: Four years.
- Scope: Directly-elected leader of the most populous county government in the U.S.
- Precedent: Second such role in California after the Mayor of San Francisco.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Enabling Legislation | Measure G (2024) |
| Election Cycle | Every four years (Starting 2028) |
| Previous Leadership Role | Chair of the Board of Supervisors |
| Election Scope | Countywide |
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the first County Executive be elected?
The first election for the office of County Executive is scheduled to take place in 2028.
How long is the term for the County Executive?
The County Executive will be elected to a four-year term.
Who previously held the leadership role of the county government?
The leadership role was previously held by the Chair of the Board of Supervisors.
How does this compare to other California counties?
Los Angeles will be the second county in California to have a directly-elected executive, following the precedent set by the Mayor of San Francisco in 1856.
Which other officials are elected countywide in Los Angeles County?
Alongside the new County Executive, the Sheriff, the District Attorney, and the County Assessor are the other county-wide elected officials.