The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors welcomed a new chairperson as Hilda Solis officially took over leadership on January 2, 2024. The First District Supervisor succeeded Kathryn Barger, leading an all-female board that oversees a diverse population of around 10 million residents and manages approximately 117,000 county employees.
Solis, who has previously chaired the board in 2016 and 2021, represents areas including East L.A. and the San Gabriel Valley. This marks her third tenure as chair, and she is set to conclude her time on the board next year due to term limits. In her inaugural address, Solis emphasized the pressing challenges ahead, particularly budgetary constraints.
Budget Concerns and Social Services
Addressing the board and the public, Solis stated, “The board will continue to contend with reductions in resources. We have to address a significant hold in our budget.” She pointed to a decline in revenue stemming from the HR1 budget bill, which was passed by Congress and signed into law by former President Donald Trump. This legislation is expected to impact social services provided by the county, particularly those aiding low-income residents.
In her remarks, Solis reaffirmed the county’s role as a safety net during challenging times. “With so many cuts to federal services, the county needs to continue to be that safety net,” she stressed. Solis has long been an advocate against the Trump administration’s policies, highlighting issues such as social service cuts and the rising costs of healthcare premiums under the Affordable Care Act.
Her advocacy extends to immigration matters, where she has voiced concerns over federal raids affecting families within the county. This focus aligns with her upcoming political aspirations, as Solis has announced plans to run for a seat in Congress after her term concludes in 2025.
Future Political Aspirations
Solis is expected to run in California’s newly established 38th Congressional District, which was formed following a recent redistricting measure approved by voters. The district encompasses areas such as El Monte, Bell, and parts of Orange County, including Anaheim. Given her extensive experience in public service, including a previous term in the U.S. House of Representatives and her role as Secretary of Labor under Barack Obama, she is anticipated to be a strong candidate.
Colleagues on the board praised Solis for her leadership and dedication. Lindsey Horvath, Third District Supervisor, referred to Solis as a “living legend” and commended her commitment to fighting for immigrant rights and environmental issues. Fourth District Supervisor Janice Hahn echoed this sentiment, highlighting Solis’s longstanding support for immigrant communities, especially in light of ongoing federal actions.
The board also recognized Barger’s contributions during her tenure, particularly her efforts in providing resources for victims of the Eaton and Palisades fires earlier this year. As part of the leadership changes, Holly Mitchell, Second District Supervisor, was unanimously elected as vice chair, marking a new chapter for the board.
The leadership transition in the LA County Board of Supervisors signals a continued commitment to addressing the needs of its diverse constituents while navigating financial challenges. As Solis embarks on her final year, her past experience and future ambitions set the stage for a pivotal time in local governance.
