Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA) announced on Monday that she is entering the 2022 race for Los Angeles Mayor. If her bid is successful, that would make her the city’s first Black woman mayor.
The Democratic Congresswoman and Los Angeles native made the announcement on Twitter saying, “[w]ith my whole heart, I’m ready. Let’s do this — together.”
According to her website, she will focus on tackling homelessness. “Our city is facing a public health, safety and economic crisis in homelessness that has evolved into a humanitarian emergency,” Bass said. “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 is viewed as a major player in politics. The six-term congresswoman grew up in the Venice and Fairfax area of Los Angeles and was a physician’s assistant and community organizer. In 2008, she became the first Back woman speaker of the state Assembly, and later led the Congressional Black Caucus. She was considered as a possible vice presidential candidate for Joe Biden, was a contender to run against House Speaker Nancy Pelosi several years ago and was considered for a U.S. Senate seat vacated by Vice President Kamala Harris, which ultimately went to Alex Padilla. Bass is also known for her pivotal role in attempts to change federal policing laws following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis last year.
Karen Bass pictured at Amplify Africa’s 2018 Inaugural Afro Ball
In 2018, Congresswoman Karen Bass was an honoree at Amplify Africa’s Inaugural Afro Ball. The Afro Ball is a fashion-conscious, philanthropic event which celebrates individuals who are amplifying Africa and the diaspora by excelling in their respective professional and creative fields. Bass gave a beautifully insightful speech at the event referencing how the powerful influence of African immigrants has enriched American culture and innovation throughout the years.
Congresswoman Karen Bass pictured with Amplify Africa CEO Dami Kujembola holding her Certificate of Recognition from the U.S. Congress presented by Amplify Africa.
There are already several other candidates in the running to replace Mayor Eric Garcetti who have all similarly made homelessness the central issue of their campaigns. These include City Councilman Kevin de Léon, City Councilman Joe Buscaino, City Attorney Mike Feuer, real estate broker Mel Wilson, and business leader Jessica Lall.
