Kisha Smith

With a tweet at 9:02am on September 27, Congresswoman Karen Bass made it official that she was running for mayor of Los Angeles, and since the endorsements have been rolling in.

More than 30 current and former elected leaders have thrown their support behind the Congresswoman, including California State Senators Steve Bradford and Sydney Kamlager, L.A. County Supervisor Holly Mitchell, former U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer and City Councilmember Mark Ridley-Thomas.

“I’m honored to earn the endorsement of these esteemed leaders throughout Southern California at such an important time for our city, Bass said. “Their vocal and legislative advocacy on behalf of their constituents is the hallmark of strong leadership. It will take all of us, together, to address the crises at hand — but I believe with a strong coalition, we can bring about the change that we need to put this city on the right track as we recover from this pandemic. 

Bass’ entry into the race was 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. 

“Our city is facing a public health, safety and economic crisis in homelessness that has evolved into a humanitarian emergency,” Bass said in her tweet. “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.”

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.