Karen Bass

Mayor, City of Los Angeles

The 43rd mayor of Los Angeles came under fire for how she handled rebuilding after the January wildfires. Bass, a Democrat in office since 2022, was criticized for budget cuts to the fire department, delays in issuing rebuilding permits and a diplomatic trip to Ghana following the fires. She is hoping to win a second term.

Bass is the first woman and second African American mayor of the city. She previously served Californians in the State Assembly and the U.S. House of Representatives. While representing Los Angeles and Culver City in Congress, Bass led the passage of what the Los Angeles Times editorial board called “the most significant child welfare policy reform in decades.” 

After working as a front-line healthcare provider as a nurse and physician assistant, Bass founded the Community Coalition to organize the predominantly Black and Latino residents of South L.A. against substance abuse, poverty and crime amid the crack epidemic. She was recruited to run for the state Assembly in 2004. While representing Los Angeles, Bass was elected Speaker in 2008 by her peers, making her the first Black woman to ever lead a state legislative body in the country’s history. Bass has been the victim of two break-ins. On April 21, 2024, a person broke into the Getty House, where Bass lives as mayor. On Sept. 9, 2022, Bass’ Los Angeles home was burglarized and two firearms were stolen.

 — Lauren Elkies Schram