It is currently represented by Independent John Lee since 2019 after he was elected to finish Mitchell Englander's term.

Lee is the only Independent on the nonpartisan City Council, previously being a Republican much like his predecessors.

At the time of creation, it was situated in Downtown Los Angeles before being moved to the San Fernando Valley in 1964.

[12] In 1964, the council had discussed moving the 12th district to the northwest San Fernando Valley which had grown in population over the years, and incumbent John P. Cassidy agreed to do so, saying he would relocate to the area.

[13] At the time, the area included Granada Hills, Northridge, Chatsworth, Panorama City, and the northern half of Canoga Park and had a population of about 190,000.