LOS ANGELES (CNS) — Los Angeles City Controller Ron Galperin announced plans Wednesday to run for the county Board of Supervisors being vacated next year by Sheila Kuehl.

Kuehl has indicated she will not seek re-election to the District 3 seat, which represents the bulk of the San Fernando Valley, Calabasas and parts of Beverly Hills and Santa Monica. Kuehl has held the seat since 2014.

"L.A. is at a turning point," Galperin said in a statement. "Our region has always been the home of creativity, innovation and dreams. As we begin to emerge from more than a year of COVID-19, we face enormous challenges, but also have great opportunities that must be tackled with guts and vision. It takes leadership and a willingness to fight to deliver a more equitable Los Angeles."

Galperin has been city controller since 2013. He said he has worked during his time in office to address shortcomings in homeless services, public safety and infrastructure, and has worked to make city government more transparent. He also pointed to the office's creation of the "first open data portal" in the city, detailing money spend on goods, services and salaries.

"Next year, L.A. will be electing new leadership that will chart the course for years to come," he said. "We must do more to combat homelessness, poverty, mental illness and inequity while strengthening our economy and expanding opportunity. The future depends on innovative, accountable and energetic leadership. That's what I want to bring to L.A. County."

Kuehl has already thrown her support behind the candidacy of West Hollywood Mayor Lindsey Horvath, who announced her campaign in mid-April. Assemblyman Richard Bloom, D-Santa Monica, is also seeking Kuehl's seat.