Filipino American lawyer is running for a seat in the LA City Council
Photo from ysabeljuradola/Instagram
In a city known for its beaches and Hollywood stars, one kababayan is set to open new paths in promoting equity and diversity. Meet Filipino American lawyer Ysabel Jurado.
A tenants rights attorney, this 35-year-old from humble beginnings, is running for a seat in the Los Angeles City Council. She is set to bring forth a dose of authenticity in LA’s political arena.
“Working in labor and employment non-profits eventually (inspired) me to go to law school because I know the status quo was not working for people, and I wanted to help my own people, so I became an attorney,” Ysabel Jurado shared in an interview.
Her life narrative is quite similar to other Filipino Americans’ success stories. As a daughter of an undocumented Filipino worker, this LA-born powerhouse worked her way from their humble abode in Highland Park to the halls of the UCLA School of Law, where she got her degree — similar to how first Filipino Canadian minister Rechie Valdez started from being a baker.
Embarking on a new path, this single mom is dipping her toes into politics, running for the 14th District seat, armed with legal prowess and real-life experiences.
This Filipino American lawyer’s battlecry
Her vision is a manifesto for change — more affordable housing, support for smaller businesses, focus on climate crisis, a just economy and putting an end to homelessness. It’s not just a political platform. Jurado is on a mission that resonates with her roots and the diverse voices of District 14.
Jurado, with her grassroots campaign, is up for any challenges, proving that a Filipino American lawyer like her can go side-by-side with seasoned politicians of Los Angeles.
“I love odds, like very difficult odds,” shared Jurado. “I think our chances are even better than that and I do hard things not because they’re hard. I do them because they’re the right thing to do and I think this is the perfect time to do it.”
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On the other side of her bid is incumbent Democrat, Kevin DeLeon, surviving a recall vote despite some racial controversies. California assemblywoman Wendy Carillo is also running for a seat.
Carillo retired as representative of the 52nd Assembly District, and Fil-Am millennial Jessica Caloza is running for Carillo’s old seat.
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Jurado’s fight isn’t just against her opponents but also against a system that has lost focus on working-class immigrant communities.
As a housing rights attorney, she has implemented policies to end tenant evictions, standing up with small businesses and communities facing lease worries, and championing home ownership for people of color.
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Her journey, sparked by her parent’s immigration struggles, is a significant narrative that cuts through the political noise. However, for every political run, hurdles can be along the way, and Jurado is ready for any challenges.
She faced fundraising deadlines to secure a spot on the March primary ballot. And with her unwavering determination and efforts, such as reaching out to voters, knocking on doors and gathering signatures, her name is officially on the ballot.
Her next step? For the campaign, she plans to hit the streets and connect with the voters, proving that this Filipino American lawyer isn’t all about promises but a tangible action in the future.
