Former Vice President Kamala Harris has officially endorsed Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass in her re-election bid, praising her leadership on crime and homelessness while avoiding taking sides in other major California races.
In a public statement, Harris said Bass “has my full support for re-election,” highlighting what she described as major progress in Los Angeles during Bass’s first term.
“She has done what so many said couldn’t be done,” Harris said, pointing to claims of reduced homelessness and lower crime rates across the city.
Bass, who was sworn in as mayor in 2022, is currently facing a competitive re-election fight as voters begin receiving mail-in ballots ahead of the primary.
Her campaign has leaned heavily on improvements in public safety and housing policy. Los Angeles officials have reported a 19% drop in homicides in 2025 compared to 2024, with police leadership noting the city reached its lowest homicide level since 1966.
However, the homelessness situation remains a flashpoint.
Data from the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority shows only a modest shift, with unsheltered homelessness down 7.9%, while sheltered homelessness actually rose 4.7%. Critics argue the numbers show uneven progress despite high spending and aggressive policy efforts.
Bass has also faced scrutiny over her handling of the 2025 Palisades Fire aftermath, including allegations that parts of an official report were softened to limit liability for city agencies. She has denied those claims.
The political stakes are high in Los Angeles, where Bass currently leads but remains far from secure. Recent polling shows she holds about 25% support, while a large share of voters remain undecided and challengers are gaining ground.
Among them are City Councilmember Nithya Raman and media personality Spencer Pratt, who have both chipped away at Bass’s lead in early polling.
Harris, now based in Malibu, has stayed active in California politics, also endorsing several Democratic incumbents in down-ballot statewide races. However, she notably avoided weighing in on the crowded governor’s race, even as other prominent Democrats compete for influence.
Her endorsement signals continued alignment with longtime ally Bass, but it also injects a high-profile national figure into a local race where public frustration over housing costs, homelessness, and city management remains strong.
As ballots go out, the endorsement adds momentum to Bass’s campaign, but the outcome in Los Angeles remains far from decided.