Mayor Karen Bass on the Race, Her Record, and LA’s Future

“I know how to fight with you one day and work with you the next.”

In a wide-ranging interview, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass addressed the upcoming mayoral race, her first-term record, and the city's most pressing challenges—including rivals, wildfires, immigration, and the 2028 Olympics.

Race & Rivals

Bass discussed her opponents, Councilmember Nithya Raman and reality TV personality Spencer Pratt, who was endorsed by President Donald Trump. The mayor stated she does not take Pratt for granted and rejected claims she is propping him up as a straw candidate.

On Raman, Bass was blunt: “She has never initiated one thing for the industry... it's hard for me to understand how, then you show major leadership as mayor.”

Endorsements & Industry Ties

• Bass received endorsements from IATSE and other Hollywood guilds.
• She highlighted her creation of an entertainment industry council and her work on tax credits and reducing red tape for filming.

Film Czar Appointment

Bass clarified that the appointment of Steven Kang as film czar was based on industry requests for someone knowledgeable about city operations—not a Hollywood insider.

Fires & Rebuilding

“I’m going to clear brush. I don’t care if it’s on the state.”

Bass said she overhauled fire department leadership after the Palisades fire, implemented recommendations, and has been proactive in brush clearing.

• Over 400 houses are currently under construction.
• The mayor cited insurance and banking as key obstacles to rebuilding.

Immigration Enforcement

Bass stated that the LAPD will not confront federal agents. She noted that the federal government’s power supersedes local authority and that she has been in contact with other mayors to share strategies.

2028 Olympics & World Cup

The mayor expressed confidence in hosting both events. LA28 is an independent nonprofit, and fundraising is ahead of schedule.

On potential city liability: Bass acknowledged the risk of deficits but said she would work to make the games profitable.

Truth in Politics

Bass voiced concern about the erosion of truth in political discourse, while emphasizing her own honesty about the limitations of mayoral power.

Her closing message: “I am a workhorse, not a show horse.”