Mel Wilson Enters Race for Mayor of Los Angeles

July 15, 2021, Pacoima—Businessman and former Metro Board Member Mel Wilson announced his candidacy for Mayor of Los Angeles. Wilson kicked off his campaign today at the site of a 35 year-old Pacoima shopping center. Wilson helped organize the community to create a public/private partnership to build this badly needed shopping center in what was once a food desert.

At his campaign launch Wilson laid out his plan for Los Angeles “I am running for Mayor to fight For A Better LA. I’m not afraid of hard work and know what it takes to get the job done.” Wilson added his priorities include “Moving our unhoused neighbors into housing, helping small businesses recover and grow and developing smart transit and affordable housing corridors.”

“When Mel says he’s going to get things done, he’s going to do it. His credibility, record and dedication to improving LA is beyond question” said Metro Board Advisory Member Sherry Bailey who credits Wilson and former Mayor Villaraigosa for finding money to build the Leimert Park Station on the LAX/Crenshaw Line.

Wilson discussed his status as a political outsider “Our city’s politicians have not been up to the challenge. Instead of trying to solve complex problems facing LA, we keep hearing what we can’t do, instead of what we can do.”

Wilson has been a realtor in Los Angeles for over 40 years. He’s served under Mayors Riordan and Villaraigosa on the Metro Board. Wilson fought to make sure the Green Line, LAX /Crenshaw Line and proposed East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Transit Project serve and benefit Los Angelenos.

He has been appointed to serve on other boards including the Los Angeles Fire Commission, Business Tax Advisory Commission & Small Business Advisory Commission. Mel is a longtime member and former President of the United Chamber of Commerce of San Fernando Valley. A graduate of Cal State Northridge, Wilson became CSUN’s first football player to earn All American honors.