Karen Bass Elected New Mayor of L.A Following Nury Martinez Scandal
Karen Bass was elected as the first Black and female mayor of Los Angeles, after defeating billionaire real estate developer Rick Caruso. The race was one of the most expensive
Karen Bass was elected as the first Black and female mayor of Los Angeles, after defeating billionaire real estate developer Rick Caruso.
The race was one of the most expensive campaign in L.A’s history, with Caruso’s campaign exceeding $100 million.
Bass has been serving as the U.S. representative for California’s 37th congressional district since 2011 and she formerly served as Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus in 2019 and 2020.
Bass grew up in the Venice/Fairfax area of Los Angeles, which is the same area she represents in Congress.
A well-known, but quiet politician, Bass is said by her colleagues to be someone with a unique ability to work with Republicans and a knack for bringing people together (Politico).
In 1990, Bass committed her support to the South Central (now South L.A) community, in response to the 1980’s crack-cocaine epidemic.
Bass and a small group of community organizers, both African-American and Latino founded Community Coalition, known locally as CoCo.
Prior to politics, Bass worked as a Physician Assistant and clinical instructor at the USC Keck School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program.
She had one daughter, Emilia Bass-Wright, who died in a car crash in 2006 with her husband Michael.
They had recently wed and Emilia was set to graduate from Loyola Marymount University.
Bass’ election comes during a tumultuous time in L.A City politics.
Former Councilwoman Nury Martinez resigned from the Los Angeles City Council Oct. 12, after a secret audio recording was made public revealing racist comments made by Martinez and two other council-members, Gil Cedillo and Kevin de Leon.
The three council-members were taking a meeting at Ron Herrera’s office, who was then President of the L.A County Federation of Labor.
Herrera also resigned following the leaked audio. Cedillo and de Leon, however, continue to resist intense public demands and pressure.
Read More: https://voiceofblackla.com/karen-bass-holds-black-media-roundtable-during-l-a-mayoral-race/
Protesters showed up to City Hall meetings following the leaked audio, holding demonstrations both inside and outside the building.
Despite their resistance, protestors continue to attend City Hall meetings, demanding the resignation of Cedillo and de Leon.
Cedillo is set to be replaced by Eunisses Hernandez, who was recently elected to the City Council representing the 1st District.
Despite the controversy surrounding City Hall, Bass received immense support throughout her campaign and was well received across various racial and social demographics in L.A County.
The support however, did not come without criticism.
Many do not have faith in Bass’ ability to steer L.A’s homeless crisis in a positive direction. In addition, some of her comments on police budgets and reform, has rubbed some social justice activists in L.A the wrong way.
A coalition of both Black and Brown organizations held a press conference one week before election day, calling on mayoral candidates to lay out their plans to address anti-Black racism in Los Angeles their first 100 days in office.
The list includes over 15 local organizations ranging from the Brotherhood Crusade, to CDTech as well as Community Coalition.
In a press release, the organizations note that anti-Black racism has driven disparities for years in Los Angeles.
Bass was elected to represent one of the richest cities in the U.S, that continues to lead in economic disparities for African-Americans.
African-Americans who have been forced to survive in L.A’s most marginalized communities, continue to wonder the equity and inclusion is for Black L.A and what Bass will do to bridge the gaps.
