Building a Stronger Los Angeles: The Arab-American running for Public Office in Los Angeles

posted on: Sep 15, 2025

In the ever-evolving tapestry of Los Angeles politics, a new voice has emerged—one that blends deep-rooted expertise in civic engineering with a powerful testament to cultural diversity. Asaad Alnajjar, an Arab American civil structural engineer, has declared his candidacy for Mayor of Los Angeles in 2026, offering a forward-looking platform grounded in over 35 years of public service to the city’s infrastructure and communities.

An Arab-American Candidate with Decades of Service

Asaad Alnajjar’s life embodies the promise of American inclusivity. Though his campaign materials don’t overtly emphasize his Arab heritage, his roots are an integral part of his identity and leadership—presenting an often underrepresented demographic in local politics. His story resonates as both a symbol of civic dedication and representation for Los Angeles’s Arab American community.

A dedicated professional, Alnajjar has served the city since August 1989, overseeing and executing major infrastructure advancements—from expanding Metro transit lines to installing LED street lighting, solar-powered bus stops, and EV charging stations. Notably, he managed construction for LAWA’s Airport People Mover (slated to open in June 2025) and dozens of light rail and rapid bus projects slated for completion ahead of the LA 2028 Olympics.

A Roadmap for a Better Los Angeles

Alnajjar’s campaign centers on four key pillars that address the most pressing needs of Angelenos:

1. Public Safety

He advocates for equipping police, firefighters, and first responders with improved tools, training, and resources—emphasizing that safety extends beyond political theater—it’s a fundamental right.

2. Homelessness

Recognizing decades of stagnation despite billions spent, his approach focuses on humane, effective solutions. His plan prioritizes mental health and addiction recovery access alongside clear pathways to permanent housing.

3. Affordability

With Angelenos increasingly priced out of their own city, Alnajjar proposes expanding affordable housing, supporting local businesses, and catalyzing job growth with liveable wages.

4. Responsive City Services

From neighborhood councils to 24-hour sidewalk repairs, Alnajjar boasts a track record of delivering tangible improvements through systems like 311 and MYLA311, which serve all 15 council districts on tight timelines.

Policy Proposals in Detail

Infrastructure, Transit, and Sustainability

LED Street Lighting Upgrades

Alnajjar has overseen large-scale conversion of street lights to LED to reduce energy usage, lower costs, and improve public safety. The numbers: converting ~180,000 streetlights citywide, cutting CO₂ emissions by about 62,000 metric tons annually, and saving over $10 million every year.

EV Chargers/ Solar Lighting/ Smart City Elements

His platform includes installing hundreds of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, solar lighting at bus stops, and solar-to-grid panels. He also emphasizes “smart city” innovations—monitoring, energy efficiency, using newer technologies in street lighting, transit stops, bikeways.

Transit Expansion & Light Rail/ Rapid Bus/ People Mover

Alnajjar is involved in designing/building ~35 transit and rapid bus / light rail projects throughout the city. One major project is the LAWA People Mover at LAX, to be completed in 2027. This is particularly relevant as one of the infrastructure upgrades in preparation for the 2028 Olympics.

Sidewalk Repairs and City 311 / MYLA311 Services

He highlights his role in getting sidewalk repair services through the 311/MYLA311 system improved, aiming to serve all 15 council districts with fast turnaround.

Homelessness

Housing-First Strategies

Alnajjar supports expanding access to permanent housing, rather than temporary shelters alone. The idea is that moving people into long-term homes can be more effective than simply increasing temporary services.

Mental Health & Addiction Recovery

He emphasizes that homeless policy must include mental health services and addiction recovery as essential components; it’s not enough to provide housing without the supportive services that help people stabilize.

Public Safety

Tools, Training, and Resources for First Responders

Alnajjar argues that police, firefighters, and other emergency responders need more than just promises: better equipment, more modern training, and sufficient staffing and funding.

Community Policing and Neighborhood Safety

Part of his safety plan involves strengthening policing and safety at the neighborhood level. For example, he wants more engagement with neighborhood councils and local safety committees.

Affordability & Economy

Affordable Housing Expansion

He plans to increase affordable housing supply. This involves working with city partners (maybe developers, nonprofits) to build more housing units priced for low‐ and moderate-income residents.

Support for Local Businesses

Recognizing the burden that rising costs place on small businesses, Alnajjar wants to create a climate where they can thrive—through regulatory streamlining, perhaps incentives, better infrastructure (roads, transit) to support business districts.

Livable Wage Jobs

He frames part of his affordability agenda around economic opportunity: ensuring new jobs pay wages that allow residents to stay in the city, not be pushed out by high cost of living.

A Crowded Race

The 2026 Los Angeles mayoral election is set for June 2, 2026, with a runoff likely on November 3 if no candidate secures a majority. Contenders include incumbent Mayor Karen Bass, musician Vincent Wali, and Alnajjar himself.

Given the year Los Angeles has had, from the January wildfires to the Trump administrations occupation of Los Angeles, next year’s mayoral race is sure to be historic. Considering Mayor Karen Bass has come under scrutiny for her response to both of these crises, the vote for mayor is sure to be divided.

Alnajjar’s candidacy offers a powerful narrative: Arab Americans are part of Los Angeles’s civic fabric. Their experiences, expertise, and vision deserve a voice—and this campaign brings that truth to the forefront.