She’s in. 

With a tweet at 9:02am, Congresswoman Karen Bass announced she was running for mayor of Los Angeles.

“Our city is facing a public health, safety and economic crisis in homelessness that has evolved into a humanitarian emergency,” Bass wrote. “I’ve spent my entire life bringing groups of people together in coalitions to solve complex problems and produce concrete change — especially in times of crisis. Los Angeles is my home. With my whole heart, I’m ready. Let’s do this — together. I’m running for mayor.”

It’s welcome news for a growing list of supporters that included a cadre of local and statewide coalitions, block clubs, city officials like Councilman Mark Ridley Thomas and Supervisor Holly Mitchell, faith leaders and celebrities. 

“I love Karen Bass and it’s going to be a very exciting race”, said L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti. “I think los Angeles is going to have great choices.”

Those choices include City Councilmen Kevin de Leon and Joe Buscaino; City Attorney Mike Feuer, African American businessman Mel Wilson and businesswoman Jessica Lall, while among those rumored to be considering a bid include billionaire mall developer Rick Caruso and former LAUSD Superintendent Austin Beutner.

A recent poll indicated that Bass had the advantage of being the best known among the candidates and led with Black Angelenos and people on the Westside and South Los Angeles.

No one questions the qualifications of the L.A. native whose national profile rose with her chairmanship of the Congressional Black Caucus; her consideration as a vice presidential candidate by Joe Biden; and her current leadership in the legislative reckoning over race and police violence. 

Observed public policy expert Kerman Maddox, “Karen Bass is a uniquely talented elected official who has the ability to work with and connect with supporters and critics to get things done because everybody respects her and people really like her and in electoral politics likeability is priceless.   

The six-term lawmaker, who founded the social justice non-profit, the Community Coalition—has since 2011—represented California’s 37th Congressional district, which stretches from Inglewood to Century City and includes Leimert Park, Culver City, Mid-City, West Adams, Mar Vista, Westwood, Ladera Heights and University Park.

If elected, Bass would make history as the first woman to serve as L.A. mayor. The primary election is set for June 7, 2021.