Los Angeles' Newly elected Mayor, Eric Garcetti

LOS ANGELES—Citing a powerful opponent, less funding and fewer big name endorsements, newly elected Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said during his victory speech late Tuesday night that he, instead, had something more important: A “people-powered” campaign.

“We face real challenges in the next decade of Los Angeles’ history, but we also draw upon unequaled greatness to address them: The most diverse, talented and innovative group of human beings,” Garcetti said, ”anywhere anytime on the face of this earth.”

Tuesday evening turned into an early Wednesday morning, when the Los Angeles City Clerk’s office finalized election results around 3 a.m.

As returns started tricking in Tuesday night, around 9 p.m., Garcetti was behind.

“But a comeback starts with basics,” Garcetti told supporters at his campaign’s election night headquarters at the Hollywood Paladium, “and I know from experience right here in Hollywood, if you take care of the basics, one block, one street at a time, we are capable of big things.”

The gathering Tuesday night on Garcetti’s behalf saw a celebrity or two, including musician Moby who lives in Beachwood Canyon.

“I think he’s smart and progressive and he’ll be a great mayor,” said Moby, whose real name is Richard Melville Hall. “On a personal side, he’s a friend of mine and he lives in our neighborhood.”

Also on hand Tuesday night were many notable Los Angeles politicians, including Garcetti’s father, Gil, the former Los Angeles District Attorney.

When asked about his son’s chances early in the evening, the elder Garcetti joked: “Really lousy.” But then as results became clearer: “Look at what he has asked for,” the elder Garcetti said. “Now he has it. And a lot of work ahead of him. But he’s ready.”

Former mayoral candidate Jan Perry of City Council District 9 voiced her approval of Garcetti at the party based on his experience.

“I ran for Mayor, I understand,” she said. “And you’re going to respect effort; you’re going to respect intellect, and I respect his record and that’s important to me.“

Another former candidate, Emanuel Pleitez, said he bet on the right odds.

“I picked the right horse,” he said of his eventual endorsement of Garcetti.

Pleitez said he was uncertain of his own next steps.

“Eric’s the boss now, so I’ll talk to him to see how I can help him the best—be it the private sector or public sector, we’ll figure it out.”

In a statement released today, Garcetti’s opponent, City Controller Wendy Greuel expressed her congratulations.

“I’ve known Eric Garcetti for over a decade, since our days in the City Council together.  But after going toe to toe with him as political opponents for two years now, in roughly 5,000 debates. .  . you really get to know a person,” the statement read. “And the one thing I know about Eric Garcetti, is that he cares deeply about Los Angeles, and that he will work tirelessly to be the strong and innovative leader we need at this critical moment in our history. So congratulations, Mayor-Elect Garcetti.  I sincerely wish you the very best, both on a personal level, and because your success is critical to the success of Los Angeles – for your family, and mine, and for each and every resident of the greatest city in the world.”

Greuel concluded the release by thanking her husband, Dean and son, Thomas and looking toward the future.