Inglewood Has Not Elected Its Next Mayor Yet: Gloria Gray Leads Primary, Runoff May Follow

CALIFORNIA — November 9, 2026. Inglewood’s November 2026 mayoral contest is officially a primary nominating election. Gloria Gray led with about 31.9% and James Butts was second with 27.1%; neither reached the majority threshold, so calling Gray mayor-elect would be incorrect.

Election status at publication: all figures are preliminary unless expressly described as a media projection or a concession. The California Secretary of State has scheduled certification of the general election for December 11, 2026; municipal canvass dates depend on the relevant election authority. Personal social posts, campaign materials, press conferences and official government releases are identified separately.

The ballot’s correct label

Los Angeles County’s election-results text explicitly calls the Inglewood mayor contest a Primary Nominating Election, not a winner-take-all November general runoff. The November 8 figures in the official result page show Gloria D. Gray with 10,359 votes (31.88%), incumbent James T. Butts with 8,821 (27.15%), and four more candidates dividing the rest.

What the numbers mean

Because no candidate is at a majority in the still-uncertified count, a subsequent runoff is possible under applicable city election rules. Gray’s first-place tally does not make her the new mayor, and Butts remains the incumbent in office. The exact runoff date and qualification criteria should come from the City Clerk and county election officials, not inferred from a screenshot.

What each candidate has publicly said

CBS Los Angeles reported November 4 that Gray’s campaign described her showing as support for a different direction for Inglewood, while Butts acknowledged the possibility of a runoff. The comments were reported as an interview and campaign response; California58 has not independently verified equivalent recent posts on official personal social-media feeds and will not misattribute them.

What voters can expect to follow

Inglewood residents have high-stakes questions about stadium districts, city finances, housing, public safety and major event management. An incoming administration’s program cannot be assigned to an unconfirmed winner. We will update coverage once the local election authority confirms the counting status and any runoff schedule.

Why editorial accuracy matters

Mislabeling a primary leader as ‘elected’ would misinform residents and could undermine coverage of other municipal races. California58 separates the present leader, formally projected winner, certified winner and an incumbent still holding office.

Sources, official statements and date checks

This article reports statements attributed to the named speakers and distinguishes proposed policies from approved laws or funded projects. Send corrections with the original recording, official posting or document to California58’s editorial desk. We do not describe a candidate as sworn in before taking office.

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