Mitch O'Farrell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mitch O'Farrell
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O'Farrell in 2014
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| President of the Los Angeles City Council | |
| Acting October 10, 2022 – October 18, 2022 |
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| Preceded by | Nury Martinez |
| Succeeded by | Paul Krekorian |
| President pro tempore of the Los Angeles City Council | |
| In office October 1, 2021 – October 25, 2022 |
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| Preceded by | Joe Buscaino |
| Succeeded by | Curren Price |
| Member of the Los Angeles City Council from the 13th district |
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| In office July 1, 2013 – December 12, 2022 |
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| Preceded by | Eric Garcetti |
| Succeeded by | Hugo Soto-Martinez |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1960 (age 64–65) Oklahoma, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
Mitch O'Farrell (born 1960) is an American politician. He served on the Los Angeles City Council for the 13th district from 2013 to 2022. For eight days in 2022, he was the acting President of the Los Angeles City Council.
O'Farrell is a member of the Democratic Party. He was the first Native American person elected to the Los Angeles City Council. He was also one of two openly gay members until his term ended in 2022.
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Early Life and Background
Mitch O'Farrell was born in Oklahoma in 1960. He grew up in a farming area near Oklahoma City, in a town called Moore, Oklahoma. His mother worked as an administrative assistant. His father was a truck driver for the Teamsters union.
O'Farrell is a member of the Wyandotte Nation. This makes him the first Native American person to be elected to the Los Angeles City Council.
Starting His Career
O'Farrell moved to Los Angeles in 1982 to try out for a role. In the 1980s, he worked as a professional dancer and actor. He has lived in the Glassell Park area of Los Angeles since 1992.
He quickly became very active in his local community. He was elected President of the Glassell Park Improvement Association. He also helped create the Glassell Park Neighborhood Council. O'Farrell also led the Northeast Democratic Club. He volunteered at many local non-profit groups. These included the Wildlife Waystation and Project Angel Food.
In 2002, he started working for Councilmember Eric Garcetti. He worked in Garcetti's office for ten years. He held several roles, including field deputy and senior advisor.
Serving on the Los Angeles City Council (2013—2022)
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Council Elections
Mitch O'Farrell ran for the City Council seat in 2013. This seat was open because Eric Garcetti was running for mayor. O'Farrell won the election, getting 53.05% of the votes.
He was re-elected in 2017 with 59.26% of the votes. Many people supported his re-election. These included Mayor Eric Garcetti.
In 2022, O'Farrell ran for re-election again. He faced several challengers. In October 2022, he became the acting President of the City Council. This was for eight days after the previous president resigned. O'Farrell lost the 2022 election to Hugo Soto-Martinez. He officially conceded on November 15.
Important Work as Councilmember
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As the first Native American on the City Council, O'Farrell worked on issues important to indigenous people. He helped create Indigenous Peoples Day in Los Angeles. The Chief of the Wyandotte Nation supported him in his 2013 campaign.
O'Farrell also supported building more affordable housing in the city. During his time in office, over 4,300 new affordable homes were built in his district.
He also focused on improving animal rights. One of his proudest achievements was banning coyote snare traps in Los Angeles.
Personal Life
Mitch O'Farrell is openly gay. He used to live with his partner, George Brauckman, in Glassell Park. After his term on the City Council ended, he moved back to Oklahoma.
Images for kids
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O'Farrell in 2014
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O'Farrell (second from right) at a press conference in 2013.
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O'Farrell with Lin-Manuel Miranda at the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
