Los Angeles Mayoral Race Heats Up
Table of Contents
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is facing a crowded field of challengers as she seeks reelection in 2024. While Bass is considered the frontrunner, several candidates are vying for the opportunity to lead the city, including a potential, though ultimately unrealized, bid from Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell. The race is unfolding against a backdrop of ongoing concerns about homelessness, public safety, and the city’s overall direction.
Bass and Mitchell: A Contentious Relationship
The dynamic between Mayor Bass and Supervisor Mitchell has been marked by tension, particularly regarding the city’s response to homelessness. Mitchell has been critical of Bass’s record on addressing the issue, calling it “indefensible.”
Bass, in turn, has criticized Mitchell for shifting funds from the Los Angeles homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), a joint city-county agency, to a new county-led agency. This move, spearheaded by Mitchell, involved hundreds of millions of dollars. Bass also voiced opposition to the county’s proposed cuts of $200 million in homeless services [Urbanize LA].
Other Challengers Emerge
Bass, 72, faces competition from a diverse range of candidates:
- Spencer Pratt: A Republican reality TV star, Pratt has gained support from figures like Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and U.S. senator Rick Scott of Florida. His campaign focuses heavily on the city’s handling of the Pacific Palisades fire, which destroyed his home.
- Rae Huang: A Democratic socialist advocating for increased public housing and a reduction in police funding, with the resulting savings redirected to other city services.
- Adam Miller: A Brentwood tech entrepreneur and lifelong Democrat, Miller believes the city is declining and requires stronger leadership. He plans to self-fund his campaign.
- Asaad Alnajjar: A Bureau of Street Lighting employee and Porter Ranch Neighborhood council member, Alnajjar positions himself as a leader, contrasting himself with Bass’s managerial style.
Given the number of candidates, Bass’s team does not anticipate her securing over 50% of the vote, perhaps leading to a November runoff.
Bass’s Platform and Achievements
Bass is campaigning on her record, highlighting a notable decrease in homicides and reductions in street homelessness since taking office in 2022. She also emphasizes her efforts to expedite affordable housing approvals and rebuilding permits in areas like Pacific Palisades. [Los Angeles Times]
The mayor also positions herself as a counterweight to former President Trump’s agenda, publicly opposing his immigration policies and calling for the removal of the California National Guard from Los Angeles during last summer’s raids.
Mitchell’s Political Future
A mayoral run was considered a strategic risk for Mitchell, who is widely expected to run for Los Angeles County Chief Executive in 2028. This newly created position stemmed from a ballot measure championed by Mitchell. Running for mayor would have required her to forfeit her current seat and face a challenging fundraising timeline.
Despite not entering the mayoral race, Mitchell’s public criticisms of Bass raised her political profile.
Ongoing Tensions and Controversies
Relations between bass and Mitchell have been strained since the Palisades fire, particularly regarding press conferences and reopening efforts. The shift of funds from LAHSA to the county agency further exacerbated the divide. Mitchell accused Bass of spreading “misinformation” about the new agency, while Bass warned of potential setbacks in the fight against homelessness.
Mitchell has a long history in elected office, beginning with the West hollywood City Council in 2009. She later served as a state senator before being elected as a Los Angeles County Supervisor in 2022,defeating former Assembly Speaker Bob Hertzberg.
Had Mitchell entered the mayoral race, she would have faced scrutiny over county issues, including a $4-billion legal settlement related to sexual abuse allegations and controversies surrounding Measure G, a 2024 ballot measure that expands the Board of Supervisors but may inadvertently repeal criminal justice reforms.