Incumbent
Los Angeles Mayor winner?
$85.4M
NOV 4, 2026
General Election
Voters choose the office holder.
Overview
Current roleMayor
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyProgressive Democrat
Age72 years old (Oct 3, 1953)
GenderFemale
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LocationCalifornia
BackgroundPolitician
EducationSan Diego State University (attended)
Notable personal detailsKaren Ruth Bass is an American politician who has served as the 43rd mayor of Los Angeles since 2022. She previously represented Los Angeles in the U.S. House of Representatives (2011–2022) and served in the California State Assembly (2004–2010), including as Speaker. Before elected office, she worked in health care and as a community organizer.
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Positions
Economy & Taxes
Supports using taxation and budgeting tools to fund government services and has indicated willingness to raise or use taxes to balance budgets while also delivering targeted tax relief for disaster-impacted businesses. As mayor she has signed city budgets prioritizing services and proposed budget measures that reduce spending and seek new revenue.
Healthcare
Supports protecting and expanding the Affordable Care Act and increasing access to government programs such as Medi‑Cal; emphasizes improving access to mental health care and protecting frontline caregivers. Positions reflect advocacy for expanding coverage and using public programs rather than endorsing full single‑payer Medicare for All.
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Immigration & Border
Supports protecting immigrant communities from federal enforcement actions, restricts use of city resources for immigration enforcement, and expands local support and legal/financial assistance for those affected by ICE raids. Advocates investigations into alleged unlawful federal detentions and has issued executive directives and city protocols to shield undocumented residents and preserve access to services. Public actions emphasize preserving asylum access and opposing large-scale deportation tactics within the city.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
Supports robust abortion and reproductive rights protections, including preserving access to abortion and defending reproductive healthcare in Los Angeles. Has endorsed measures and organizations that advance reproductive freedom and has pledged to make the city a safe haven for those seeking abortion care. Advocates for legislative protections consistent with codifying reproductive rights at the federal level and opposing restrictive bans.
Climate & Energy
Supports aggressive city-level climate action including a goal of 100% carbon-free/clean energy by 2035, divestment from coal in the city’s power supply, major federal funding for pollution reduction and investments in zero‑emission technology and green hydrogen, and other resilience and nature-based initiatives (tree planting, coastal and urban cooling programs).
Public Safety & Guns
Supports strengthening public-safety capacity while investing in community-led safety programs; backs efforts to keep firearms out of the hands of domestic abusers and to combat untraceable "ghost guns." Plans include restoring LAPD staffing and investing in specialized detectives alongside community-based violence-prevention efforts.
News
Karen Bass is in the news because she has advanced to a November runoff in the Los Angeles mayoral race after the final vote count was completed. She finished first in the primary and will face City Councilmember Nithya Raman, who moved into second place after late ballots were counted. Bass is also facing a defamation lawsuit from former Fire Chief Kristin Crowley over campaign remarks tied to the Palisades fire response. The race has been marked by attacks over city leadership, homelessness, spending, and the city’s wildfire response.
Kelsey Grammer Reacts to Spencer Pratt Losing L.A. Election
Former LAFD chief sues Bass, says mayor should pay out of pocket for campaign remarks
Democratic socialists surge in mayoral races across the country as anti-Trump fervor rises
Nithya Raman reveals when she decided to run against Karen Bass
Endorsements
Endorsers of Karen Bass for Los Angeles Mayor winner?
Democratic Socialists of America members on the Los Angeles City Council
Public endorsement
Three Los Angeles City Council members associated with the Democratic Socialists of America endorsed Karen Bass.
IATSE
Elected official
IATSE endorsed Karen Bass in her bid for reelection as Los Angeles mayor.
Hollywood crew unions
Elected official
Hollywood crew unions endorsed Karen Bass in the Los Angeles mayor’s race.
Nithya Raman
Public figure
Nithya Raman endorsed Karen Bass for reelection before entering the race herself.
Samuel L. Jackson
Elected official
Samuel L. Jackson endorsed Karen Bass for Los Angeles mayor.
Jane Fonda
Public figure
Jane Fonda endorsed Karen Bass ahead of the Los Angeles mayoral race.
Magic Johnson
Public figure
Magic Johnson endorsed Karen Bass in the Los Angeles mayoral race.
Kamala Harris
Public figure
Kamala Harris endorsed Karen Bass for reelection in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles County Supervisors
Public figure
Four Los Angeles County supervisors endorsed Karen Bass for reelection.
Los Angeles County Democratic Party
Elected official
The Los Angeles County Democratic Party endorsed Karen Bass for mayor.
Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 20242022
2024
LatestCycle 2022
Cycle 2024
Source: FEC
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Polls