Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez Faces Criticism Over Debate Absences and Response to Activists Ahead of June Election

 

As the June election approaches, Los Angeles City Council District 1 has become the focus of mounting controversy surrounding incumbent Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez. Hernandez, who is seeking reelection, is facing multiple challengers—and intensifying criticism—after failing to appear at any of four scheduled candidate debates.

Opponents argue that debates are a basic responsibility for candidates seeking public office and a key opportunity for voters to assess leadership, transparency, and policy priorities. At one recent debate, challenger Lou Calanche highlighted Hernandez’s repeated absences by bringing a life-size cardboard cutout of the councilmember to the stage, a move that drew attention to her continued no-shows and sparked widespread discussion.

The issue gained further visibility after the New York Post published an article criticizing Hernandez’s absence from debates and questioning her engagement as a councilmember over the past three years. The article cited concerns about conditions at MacArthur Park, a prominent and heavily impacted area within District 1, which critics say has deteriorated amid ongoing safety, sanitation, and quality-of-life issues.

A well-known Los Angeles activist and community watchdog reposted the article on Instagram and publicly echoed frustrations that Hernandez had not responded to repeated phone calls or emails over several years. The activist, who operates under the handle L.A. Eyes, stated that attempts to reach the councilmember through official channels consistently went unanswered.

According to the activist, Hernandez responded only after the repost went public—sending a direct message from her personal Instagram account that accused the activist of sharing “fat-phobic” and “trans-phobic” content. Screenshots of the message, which were shared with multiple individuals, quote Hernandez as saying:

“It’s a damn shame you are sharing this fat-phobic, trans-phobic story by the New York Post. If you’re cool with that, then I know what kind of person you are.”

The activist said she was confused by the message, noting that the article made no reference to gender identity, body size, or transgender issues. She described the message as retaliatory, particularly given the lack of prior responses to years of outreach.

Critics say this incident reflects a broader pattern in which Hernandez responds to criticism of her performance by deflecting and reframing the narrative—allegedly accusing critics of misogyny, transphobia, fat-phobia, or “attacking women,” rather than addressing the substance of their concerns. Several community members claim that similar accusations have been made against them after they publicly questioned Hernandez’s record.

Opponents point to a recent article published by Páriva as another example, saying that rather than responding to criticism about governance, Hernandez characterized dissent as discriminatory or rooted in bias. Critics argue that this tactic shifts attention away from policy outcomes and constituent services and instead places the focus on personal character attacks.

Community members who reviewed the Instagram direct message described it as unprofessional and inappropriate for an elected official. One individual said the councilmember should have requested a formal meeting if she disagreed with the activist’s claims. Another said that after criticizing Hernandez’s work, they were subjected to rumors and personal accusations rather than engagement on the issues raised.

Supporters of Hernandez maintain that she is frequently targeted by hostile media outlets and politically motivated critics, and that accusations against her often fail to account for the broader challenges facing District 1. Nonetheless, critics argue that public officials should respond to scrutiny with transparency and accountability—not personal attacks.

Hernandez has not publicly addressed the allegations regarding retaliation, debate absences, MacArthur Park, or the Instagram message. Requests for comment were not returned as of publication.

The District 1 election will take place in June. As campaigning intensifies, voters will ultimately decide whether Hernandez’s record, responsiveness, and handling of criticism merit another term in office.