LOS ANGELES, February 17, 2026 – In a historic first for Los Angeles County, a coalition of leading business advocacy Political Action Committees (PACs), including Central City Association PAC, Hollywood Chamber PAC, VICA PAC, BizFed PAC, and Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce’s L.A. Jobs PAC, announced today their first joint endorsements ahead of the 2026 primary elections.
This unprecedented collaboration brings together the political and financial resources of the region’s most influential business organizations to speak with a unified voice and directly support candidates committed to economic growth, job creation, and improving quality of life for all Angelenos.
The coalition has endorsed Tim Gaspar for Los Angeles City Council District 3, representing Canoga Park, Woodland Hills, Reseda, and Tarzana, and Jose Ugarte for Los Angeles City Council District 9, representing South Central, South Los Angeles, and parts of Downtown. Both candidates have demonstrated a strong commitment to practical, solutions-driven leadership and bring experience working with local employers, workers, and community stakeholders to improve their communities.
“By coming together across industries and geographies, the business community is sending a clear message: the stakes in this election are too high to be fragmented,” said Nella McOsker, President & CEO of the Central City Association. “Never before have we aligned our endorsements and investments in a coordinated effort to support leaders who understand how economic policy impacts everyday life—from housing affordability to small business survival and the public services we all depend on.”
“Los Angeles is at a defining moment. Our economic growth, public safety, housing production, and small business vitality all depend on steady, accountable leadership at City Hall. By joining forces in this coalition, we are making clear that the business community is aligned and engaged in shaping a stronger future for the City of Los Angeles,” said President & CEO Maria S. Salinas, Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce. “We are proud to stand alongside our partners in endorsing candidates who understand how sound economic policy drives job creation, strengthens neighborhoods, and expands opportunity for all Angelenos.”
More information about Gaspar and Ugarte can be found at www.timgaspar.com and www.ugarteforla.com.
The joint PAC effort comes at a critical moment, as Los Angeles voters prepare to shape the future of state, county and city leadership during a defining election cycle. The outcomes of the 2026 elections will determine the direction of policies affecting housing, infrastructure, workforce development, and the fiscal stability of essential government services relied upon by the largest county in the country.
The coalition will continue to evaluate and jointly support candidates throughout the election cycle. The next coordinated endorsement meeting will take place on February 18, featuring candidates seeking offices representing Council District 13 and the City Controller’s office.
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Marie Lloyd, 805-729-3118, mariesuzannelloyd@gmail.com
About CCA
Central City Association (CCA) is the premier advocacy organization in the Los Angeles region and leading visionary on the future of Downtown. Through advocacy, influence and engagement, CCA enhances Downtown’s vibrancy and increases opportunity in the region. For 100 years, CCA has produced meaningful results for its members, Downtown and the greater Los Angeles area. It represents a coalition of businesses, nonprofit organizations and institutions in Los Angeles County. For more information, please visit www.ccala.org.