With thousands of votes still left to count, Congresswoman Karen Bass has secured an insurmountable lead over billionaire Rick Caruso to become the first female mayor of Los Angeles. Bass also becomes the city’s second Black mayor, following Tom Bradley whose record-setting tenure lasted from 1973 to 1993.
The Associated Press, Los Angeles Times and New York Times declared Bass the winner Wednesday afternoon.
In a statement Wednesday night, Bass said it is “the honor of my life to be elected as your mayor, and that it is “time to house people immediately, increase safety and opportunity in every neighborhood, and create a new standard of ethics and accountability at City Hall.”
Bass also thanked Caruso for calling her to concede, and said he is “someone who I hope continues his civic participation in the city that we both love.”
Bass also identified homelessness, rising crime and the housing affordability crisis as the issues she intends to tackle as soon as she takes office.
Outgoing Mayor Eric Garcettie called Bass’ victory “a historic moment and a win for all Angelenos.” Referring to Bass as “a personal friend for decades,” Garcetti described Bass as “a constant source of inspiration and guidance during my years in office.”
(Excerpt) Read more in: The Wrap