Incumbent
Los Angeles mayoral election: first round winner
$3.7M
JUN 14, 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 (studied philosophy, attended)
Notable personal detailsKaren Ruth Bass is an American politician who has served as the 43rd Mayor of Los Angeles since December 2022. She previously represented Los Angeles-area districts in the U.S. House of Representatives (2011–2022) and served in the California State Assembly, including as Speaker (2008–2010). Before elected office, she worked as a physician assistant and community organizer and founded the Community Coalition in South Los Angeles.
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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
Gov. Gavin Newsom has endorsed Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass as she runs for reelection in the 2026 mayoral race, as debate continues around housing and homelessness policy. Bass is facing a challenge from City Councilmember Nithya Raman, who entered the race shortly before the filing deadline. Separately, 2022 opponent Rick Caruso said he will not run in 2026, leaving the field without another Bass-Caruso rematch.
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Endorsements
Endorsers of Karen Bass for Los Angeles Mayor winner?
Nithya Raman
Public figure
Nithya Raman endorsed Karen Bass for reelection before entering the race herself.
Gavin Newsom
Elected official
Gavin Newsom endorsed Karen Bass for reelection as Los Angeles mayor.
Los Angeles City Council progressive bloc
Public endorsement
Los Angeles City Council progressive bloc endorsed Karen Bass for reelection.
Kamala Harris
Elected official
Kamala Harris endorsed Karen Bass for reelection as Los Angeles mayor.
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Polls
- Fundraising