Incumbent Mayor Karen Bass is confronting a challenging reelection campaign. She must address competing views on homelessness, police funding, and housing production. Bass defends her record amid criticism from her handling of the Palisades fire.
Bass became the first woman elected as Los Angeles mayor by defeating real estate developer Rick Caruso. At 72, she now faces 13 challengers, with four posing serious opposition. Notable candidates include reality TV personality Spencer Pratt, tech entrepreneur Adam Miller, and community organizer Rae Huang.
Key Candidates
Karen Bass started her career in South Los Angeles, focusing on riot recovery efforts. She served as Speaker of the State Assembly and spent years in Congress. In her mayoral role, Bass aims to complete work on homelessness, public safety, housing reform, and rebuilding the Palisades.
Rae Huang, a Presbyterian minister, promises to cut police funding and develop government-operated social housing. Her past roles include deputy director at Housing NOW! California, where she worked to expand affordable housing.
Adam Miller, former CEO of Cornerstone OnDemand, emphasizes effective management on issues like homelessness and illegal dumping. He proposes building “tiny home” villages and developing a homeless outreach app.
Spencer Pratt gained fame on reality TV and lost his home in the Palisades fire. He critiques Bass on homelessness and supports a “treatment first” policy, aiming to address mental illness and addiction as causes of chronic homelessness.
Nithya Raman, supported by the Democratic Socialists of America, focuses on housing production and entertainment industry revival. She previously led efforts to curb rent increases and evictions.
Homelessness Policies
Bass launched Inside Safe to move unhoused people into temporary housing. Critics say its participants often return to the street. Raman calls for usage of apartment vouchers due to Inside Safe’s high costs. Miller considers it a failure, favoring “tiny home” villages.
Pratt and Bass support a Municipal Code restricting encampments near schools. Pratt wants long-term housing for the stable and sober, while Huang seeks to repeal the Code and halt property sweeps.
Police Staffing Views
Bass aims to maintain the LAPD force size. To achieve this, she increased police pay in 2023. Huang and Raman criticize current Chief Jim McDonnell, and differ on police funding and hiring strategies.
Pratt opposes defunding and favors prosecuting theft and enforcing safety laws. Miller supports staffing expansions beyond Bass’ goals.
Housing Production Strategies
Bass cleared approvals for affordable residential projects through Executive Directive, but only a minority became active. She adjusted policies for single-family neighborhoods and urged other housing reforms.
Raman proposes 60-day approval for compliant housing projects, targeting an increase in housing density. Pratt advocates expanding ED1 timelines for accessory and urban projects.
Huang champions social housing, asserting housing should be a basic human right. Miller agrees with increasing overall housing production.