Meet Hugo

Hugo Soto-Martínez was born and raised in Los Angeles. His parents immigrated here and worked as street vendors for most of his life to give Hugo and his five siblings more opportunities than they had in Mexico. After his dad became disabled, Hugo started working at a non-union hotel at the age of 16 to help out his family. Shortly before graduating college, he joined with his coworkers to form a union – earning better working conditions and respect on the job.

Hugo spent the last 16 years at UNITE HERE!, organizing with mostly immigrant women in the hotel industry to win healthcare, higher wages, and anti-harassment protections. 

After his election to represent District 13 on Los Angeles City Council in November, Hugo took office on December 12, 2022.