Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, aged 72, is running for a second term in the upcoming election on November 3. Her candidacy follows a runoff situation with City Councilmember Nithya Raman, a former ally. Bass made history in 2022 by becoming the first female mayor of Los Angeles, defeating billionaire developer Rick Caruso.

Focusing on Key Issues

During her tenure, Bass has concentrated efforts on reducing homelessness and increasing the staff of the Los Angeles Police Department. In 2025, a significant controversy arose due to the city’s response to the Palisades fire in January, and Bass faced criticism for being in Ghana when the fire warnings were issued.

“The bottom line is, I wasn’t here when the city needed me,” said Bass about her absence during the disaster.

Achievements as Mayor

Mayor Bass highlighted affordable housing as a major achievement. Under her leadership, Los Angeles has seen more affordable housing units built in four years than in many previous years combined. This progress was possible through revised regulations and expedited approval processes.

Criticism and Challenges

Bass acknowledged her absence during the critical fire incident as the biggest mistake of her term. Despite warnings, there was no perception of the situation escalating into a crisis. Former Fire Chief Kristin Crowley had not raised an alert, a point of contention leading to legal action against Bass.

Political Dynamics

Bass expressed surprise and confusion regarding Raman’s decision to oppose her, questioning the motivations behind the move given their prior endorsements. Bass pointed to Raman’s perceived inefficiencies in serving her constituents as a significant shortcoming.

Police Department Staffing

Bass aimed to restore the LAPD to 9,500 officers but has faced setbacks. Initial hiring issues were addressed with campaign efforts, yet a broken hiring process remained an obstacle. Although the city council blocked funding initially, it later restored it, enabling further staffing efforts.

Addressing Homelessness

Bass advocated for a regional approach to homelessness, disagreeing with the county’s decision to create a separate bureaucracy. She suggested the city establish its own agency to address homelessness independently from county control.

Tackling Drug Use

On public drug use, Bass insisted on intervention, particularly near schools. However, she highlighted the lack of resources to support addicts post-arrest, underlining the need for more treatment facilities controlled by the county.

Legislative Positions

Bass chose not to seek the Democratic Socialists of America’s endorsement, due to misalignment on policies like prison abolition and police defunding. She also opposed Senate Bill 79, supporting community collaboration over broad legislative mandates for housing development.

Rebuilding After Disasters

In response to the Palisades fire, Bass issued multiple executive orders to streamline recovery efforts, addressing issues with utility connections and facilitating development. She worked with state lawmakers to resolve insurance and financing challenges for affected residents.

Misperceptions and Personal Commitment

Bass refuted claims of micromanagement, affirming her readiness to intervene when projects stall. Her career, rooted in activism since middle school, reflects a commitment to public service. Bass’s cause-driven career led her from academia to public office without a focus on personal ambition.

Reflecting on her tenure, Bass concluded by underscoring her focus on getting people off the streets as her principal achievement, with a passionate dedication to saving lives.