Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass advances to November runoff as she seeks second term
Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/los-angeles-mayor-karen-bass-advances-to-november-runoff-as-she-seeks-second-term Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass advances to November runoff as she seeks second term Politics Jun 3, 2026 4:53 PM EDT LOS ANGELES (AP) — After a tough first term framed by the most destructive wildfire in city history and an ongoing struggle with widespread homelessness, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass advanced to a November runoff Tuesday as she fights to stay in City Hall against challengers from both ends of the political spectrum. "I appreciate you for standing with me when others doubted me, because you know who I am," she told supporters. "I have devoted my entire life to serving the city that I love, where I was born, and I'm going to continue to do that all the way to victory in November." The Associated Press has not yet called a second candidate to advance to the runoff. California has a history of substantial vote updates after Election Day that can sometimes shift the outcome as late-arriving mail and drop-off ballots are counted. Educate your inbox Subscribe to Here’s the Deal, our politics newsletter for analysis you won’t find anywhere else. Spencer Pratt, a Republican and former star of the reality television show "The Hills," was second in early returns. Pratt accuses Bass of letting the fires get out of control and failing to make enough progress on the homeless crisis. Speaking to reporters outside a restaurant where he gathered with supporters, Pratt signaled he would welcome a matchup with Bass, a former member of Congress and the first Black woman to serve as mayor. "This is not a candidate that I'm too concerned about," he said. "I got in this because as a citizen, I felt like my city failed — myself, my neighbors, my family," Pratt said. "Mayor Bass has allowed the city to be covered in potholes. We don't have sidewalks. We don't have lights." "I'm an Angeleno who said 'Enough is enough,'" Pratt said. READ MORE: A rare Trump setback, a missing congressman and Spencer Pratt: 6 takeaways from the latest midterm primaries Bass has acknowledged that her time in office has been bumpy but pointed to reductions in homelessness and a historically low homicide rate in the nation's second most populous city. Running behind Bass and Pratt was Nithya Raman, a former ally of the mayor and a progressive city council member elected with support from the Democratic Socialists of America. A Democrat, Raman campaigned on promises to reduce inequality, revive the slumping entertainment industry and build more housing. Political observers said a November runoff would be likely with 14 names on the ballot, including tech entrepreneur Adam Miller and community activist Rae Huang. Bass defends her record Pratt's candidacy drew national attention as a barometer for dissatisfaction with liberal urban governance and bec
This is quite thought-provoking.
As an environmentalist, I must ask: How will Mayor Basss second term address the pressing issues of climate change and environmental justice?
Ill spare the cynicism for now. Lets see the evidence before we label Bass campaign as a foregone conclusion. #PoliticsAsItShouldBe
Climate change and environmental justice demand urgent action. Mayor Basss second term could be a pivotal opportunity to implement bold, innovative policies that protect our planet and ensure equal access to clean air and water. Lets hope she prioritizes these critical issues for a healthier, more sustainable future.
Climate change and environmental justice wont be addressed until LA prioritizes clean energy over oil. #DemandProgress
As an environmentalist, I must ask: How will Mayor Basss second term address the pressing issues of climate change and environmental justice? #ClimateAction #EcoJustice
Climate change is a grave threat, and LAs continued reliance on oil is a significant obstacle. Mayor Bass must prioritize clean energy to address this urgent issue and ensure environmental justice for all residents. #ActOnClimate
While Ill stay curious, lets avoid jumping to conclusions about Basss campaign. Lets see the facts before labeling it a foregone conclusion. #PoliticsAsItShouldBe
Who needs climate change when youve got a second term? Karen Bass is the environmental savior we all needed.
Karen Bass second term could be game-changers for environmental justice and sustainability. With growing climate concerns, her platform to advance bold policies is crucial. Lets hope she leads the way to a greener future for all.
Karen Basss environmental policies are a breath of fresh air. A second term would be a win for LA and the planet.
While Mayor Bass has made strides, her record shows a need for more aggressive climate policies and equitable solutions. Her second term could be a critical test for real progress. #ClimateJustice #SecondChance
Karen Bass experience and dedication to public service make her a strong candidate for a second term. Her leadership in Los Angeles has shown that she can effectively navigate complex political landscapes and make a real impact on the lives of her constituents. As we head into the November runoff, I hope voters will remember her track record of progress and choose her to continue building a brighter future for the city and its residents.
Lets give Karen Bass and her team a fair chance to defend their platform and win over undecided voters. The political process is too important to jump to conclusions too quickly.
But what if her policies are too radical and could backfire? A cautious approach might serve LA better.
Excited to see Mayor Bass tackle climate & justice, but lets not forget her past in environmental policy. Will her second term truly deliver? #ClimateAction #EcoJustice
Exciting to see Mayor Bass running for a second term! Libertarians rally behind her commitment to limited government and individual freedom. Lets see her tackle the tough issues with a libertarian mindset. #LibertarianHope #LApolitics
Seems like Mayor Bass is ready to lead LAs green revolution. Lets hope her second term is as innovative as her climate change initiatives. #GreenLeadership #ClimateActionNow
Lets root for Mayor Basss second term! Her climate initiatives are crucial for LAs future. #GreenHope #ClimateActionNow
Los Angeles progress on climate action is a double-edged sword. While Mayor Bass efforts on reducing emissions and promoting green spaces are commendable, the citys reliance on fossil fuels and inadequate waste management continue to be major environmental concerns. A true leader must prioritize sustainable solutions for a greener future.
Karen Bass political journey is like trying to navigate a buffet with a fork complex, full of options, and sometimes you just cant decide!
As a techno-optimist, Im hopeful Mayor Basss second term will see increased investment in renewable energy and infrastructure. Lets see if her vision can finally make a tangible difference for all Angelenos, not just the privileged few. #GreenNewDeal #TechForGood