Los Angeles Mayor · Nov 3, 2026

Karen Bass

Candidate for Mayor (incumbent)

6 candidates · 2 seats8 sourced positions

Karen Bass, the incumbent, is running for mayor of Los Angeles in the Nov 3, 2026 election, against Nithya Raman.

First day to vote by mail · Mon, Oct 5, 2026

Today

Mayor since December 2022; she previously represented Los Angeles in Congress and served as Speaker of the California State Assembly, and earlier worked as a community organizer in South Los Angeles.

Occupation (from candidate statement): Mayor, City of Los Angeles
Endorsed by: The Los Angeles County Democratic Party, the Los Angeles Federation of Labor, the Los Angeles Police Protective League, and Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson, among others listed on her site Karen Bass for Mayor
Campaign website: www.karenbass.com

Where Karen Bass stands: positions on the record

Police1 sourced position

As reported by Beverly Press; not a direct quote
Said she supports expanding the LAPD and plans to find ways to hire more officers in a second term.
Forum answerBeverly Press · Oct 1, 2026

Homelessness2 sourced positions

As reported by Beverly Press
Said the city should move away from hotels and use city-owned property to put up new shelters.
“We need to look for less expensive ways, moving away from hotels, using city-owned property to put up new and improved and more modern shelters, and also providing the services that people need.”
Forum answerBeverly Press · Aug 27, 2026
As reported by Beverly Press
Calls for the city's homelessness system to be revamped and run independently of the county.
“Now, I’m calling for a revamp of the entire system in independence from the county.”
Forum answerBeverly Press · Oct 1, 2026

Encampments1 sourced position

As reported by the Los Angeles Times; not a direct quote
Supports the city's anti-camping law, 41.18, but says it should be used sparingly.
Own statementLos Angeles Times · Oct 1, 2026

Housing near transit1 sourced position

As reported by Beverly Press
Opposed SB 79, saying housing is best built in agreement with communities rather than under state mandates.
“I do not support Sacramento telling us what to do.”
Forum answerBeverly Press · Aug 27, 2026

Rent1 sourced position

Her campaign says she signed the first changes in 40 years to the Rent Stabilization Ordinance to limit rent increases.
Own statementKaren Bass for Mayor

Fire Department1 sourced position

As reported by the Los Angeles Times; not a direct quote
Supports Measure FD, the half-cent sales tax for the Fire Department.
Own statementLos Angeles Times · Oct 1, 2026

Short-term rentals1 sourced position

As reported by the Los Angeles Times; not a direct quote
Has called for the council to allow second homes to be used as short-term rentals, saying it would raise tax revenue.
Own statementLos Angeles Times · Oct 1, 2026

Also running for Mayor

Nithya Raman

All 6 Los Angeles candidates →

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