Rep. Karen Bass, who represents California’s 36th Congressional District, formally announced her candidacy for LA Mayor on Monday. She joins a field that includes City Atty. Mike Feuer, City Councilman Kevin de León and City Councilman Joe Buscaino.
“Our city is facing a public health, safety and economic crisis in homelessness that has evolved into a humanitarian emergency,” Bass said in a statement. “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.”
Bass has represented parts of South LA, Mid-City, Culver City and Palms in Congress for the past 14 years. She previously served as Speaker of the California Assembly — the first African American woman to ever hold such a position in the United States. She has also worked as a registered nurse.
Bass comes to the race with wide name recognition and a positive reputation in the Black community.
Read more about her candidacy here.