Joseph E. Hollingsworth (August 25, 1908 – November 12, 1975) was an American politician was appointed in 1961 to replace Charles Navarro as Los Angeles City Council member for the racially mixed 10th district.

He served for two years until he was ousted by retired policeman and future mayor Tom Bradley.

[6] He was a veteran of World War II and co-founded Baldwin Hills Post 706 of the American Legion.

[8] In June 1961 Hollingsworth and 10 other people applied for the 10th District councilmanic position left vacant by the election of the incumbent, Charles Navarro, as city controller.

"[2][5] One of his first acts was to appoint Cage S. Johnson, 49, a "restaurant service supervisor and part-time television actor," as the "first Negro to serve as field secretary to a City Council member,"[10] but nevertheless a recall drive was organized at a community meeting, with H. H. Brookins named as chair.