Danny Hang was sworn in as West Hollywood’s vice mayor on Jan. 12 by former Councilman John D’Amico. (photo by Jon Viscott)

Vice Mayor Danny Hang was elected to the West Hollywood City Council in November 2024 and sworn in a month later. He is the first Asian Pacific American elected to the dais and thereby the first to serve in a leadership role in West Hollywood. He was sworn in as vice mayor on Jan. 12.

“It is [a] meaningful [distinction] and something I do not take lightly,” Hang said. “There is a sense of responsibility that comes with the role, but it is also incredibly motivating. I see it as an opportunity to open doors, broaden representation and ensure our leadership reflects the diversity of the community we serve.”

Hang was raised in the San Gabriel Valley and holds degrees from Loyola Marymount University and the University of Southern California. A first generation American, his parents were Chinese-Vietnamese refugees.

Hang will serve alongside Mayor John Heilman, who is holding the title for the ninth time and is serving his last year on the City Council after a near-collective 40 years as a member.

“Mayor Heilman has served West Hollywood since its founding with distinction and brings decades of experience in advocacy and governance. I am incredibly fortunate to learn from his leadership and institutional knowledge, and to benefit from his long-term perspective as we continue moving the city forward,” Hang said. “West Hollywood has such a strong civic culture, and stepping into this role feels both humbling and energizing. I am excited to get to work and continue serving this community.”

Hang added that being vice mayor will be “a great learning experience” as he prepares to take on the role of mayor next year.

“It’ll give me the chance to grow as a leader, listen more closely and better understand how to bring people together around shared goals,” he said.

Hang also gave credit to fellow Councilmembers Chelsea Byers, John Erickson and Lauren Meister for their mentorship.

“Each of my colleagues brings a unique perspective and leadership style,” he said. I have learned the importance of preparation, curiosity and respecting different viewpoints, even when we do not always agree, because that is how better policy gets made.”

Hang described his first year on the council as “fast-paced and incredibly rewarding,” highlighting policies that he said supported safer streets, small businesses and “compassionate approaches to homelessness.” Housing, he said, remains a “top priority” for 2026.

“We are facing a serious housing shortage across the region, and West Hollywood needs to do its part by making it easier to build more housing at all income levels while ensuring our unhoused neighbors have access to shelter and services. At the same time, we have to keep investing in safer streets, modern infrastructure and strong support for small businesses so our neighborhoods remain vibrant and inclusive,” Hang said.

West Hollywood has passed several items in the last year that have condemned actions by the White House, especially the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown which rocked Los Angeles last June and included a raid on a West Hollywood car wash. Hang said that navigating a role as an elected official was challenging during such a precarious time in the nation, but “staying focused on people and values” is the way forward.

“Local government is often the closest level of government to residents, and that means showing up, especially for communities who may feel under attack at the federal level or are struggling locally. We can use our positions to advocate for inclusion, dignity and safety while staying grounded in delivering real solutions like housing, shelter, services, public safety and economic opportunity,” Hang said.

He added that he loves being a resident of West Hollywood and enjoys supporting local businesses, grabbing coffee, spending time with family and friends and attending community events in his spare time.

“Being visible and accessible in the community matters to me,” Hang said. “I am focused on making West Hollywood inclusive, safe and welcoming for everyone. At a time when we are seeing federal actions and rhetoric that target immigrants, LGBTQ+ people, and other marginalized communities, local government has an important role to play. We can stand up for dignity and safety while continuing to deliver real solutions like housing, shelter and services, safer streets and support for small businesses.”

Mayor John Heilman and Vice Mayor Danny Hang will lead the West Hollywood City Council for 2026. (photo by Jon Viscott)