U.S. Rep. Karen Bass will become Los Angeles’ new mayor, defeating businessman Rick Caruso, according to projections by the Associated Press Nov. 16.
As of 4 p.m. Wednesday, Bass, leading by 46,578 votes, held roughly 53.06 percent of the vote over Caruso’s 46.94 percent.
Bass, a Democrat who represents California’s 37th district, will become LA’s first female mayor to replace termed-out Eric Garcetti, who assumed office in 2013. Garcetti is now awaiting U.S. Senate confirmation to become India’s ambassador.
Caruso initially held a narrow lead over Bass after election night, but as more ballots were counted in the following days, Bass chipped away at his lead and became the frontrunner.
The congresswoman ran a progressive campaign advocating for more homeless housing and a “police reform” to reduce “racial profiling” and “ensure that police are held accountable when discharging their weapon,” according to her campaign website.
Bass, who has been involved in politics since the 1980s, was endorsed by top Democrats, including President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, former Secretary Hillary Clinton, former President Barack Obama, and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Bass’s opponent, Caruso, is a billionaire builder known for constructing some of Los Angeles’ most beloved malls and plazas. He started as a Republican, later became an Independent, and eventually registered as a Democrat before entering the race in February.
“This campaign has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life,” wrote Caruso in a statement posted on Twitter shortly after the race was called. “While we came up short in the count, we made an indelible impact on this city and its people that will last far beyond the campaign trail or Election Day. ... This movement of common-sense politics and policies that actually lift people up will only grow and get stronger because it is built on hope and a belief that we can and should do better.”
Bass said in a statement on Twitter the same day she “received a gracious call from Rick Caruso, who is someone who I hope continues his civic participation in the city that we both love. I have great respect for his commitment to serving the people of Los Angeles.”
She said she felt “honored and humbled” to be elected as the next mayor and vowed to address homelessness and public safety—top concerns for Angelenos—once she takes office.
“I’m ready to serve, and my pledge to you is that we will hit the ground running on Day One,” she wrote.
Bass will be sworn in on Dec. 12.
Caruso was endorsed by the Los Angeles Protective League, among others, and several celebrities such as music manager Scooter Braun, Kim Kardashian, Katy Perry, Chris Pratt, and Snoop Dogg.
He has spent nearly $100 million, mostly his own money, while Bass raised $7 million for her campaign.
