The 1997 Los Angeles mayoral election took place on April 8, 1997. Incumbent Richard Riordan won re-election against California State Senator and activist Tom Hayden.[1] As of to date, this is the most recent time a Republican was elected Mayor of Los Angeles.[2] Municipal elections in California, including Mayor of Los Angeles, are officially nonpartisan; candidates' party affiliations do not appear on the ballot.[3]
Hayden criticized Riordan for ignoring the environment and for not debating with him while Riordan criticized Hayden for his voting record as a State Senator.[4][5] Polls showed Riordan leading Hayden, with most of his support being from white people and Republicans.[6] The Los Angeles County Federation of Labor pulled their support from Riordan and took a neutral stance for the two.[7] In the election, Riordan won outright against Hayden and three other candidates.[8]
