Los Angeles Mayor’s Race: Rep. Karen Bass Defeats Billionaire Rick Caruso
ForbesDec 23, 2022
The Facts
Over a week after election day, and with more than a 6% lead with 74% of ballots counted late Wednesday night, US Rep. Karen Bass (D-Calif.) is projected to beat billionaire real estate developer Rick Caruso in the Los Angeles, Calif. mayoral race. She is the first woman elected to the position.
Bass, a former community organizer who represents parts of Los Angeles in Congress, campaigned on unity in the wake of a recent city council racism scandal. Caruso, who outspent his opponent 10-1, campaigned as a political outsider who would cut bureaucratic red tape and build homeless shelters.
The Spin
Democratic narrative
Bass has a challenging term ahead of her, but her governing experience and connections at all levels of government put her in a prime position to make an impact. The city needs a solution finder and consensus builder to tackle its housing and crime problems, making Bass the right woman for the job.
Republican narrative
While former Republican Caruso hoped he could pull off an upset by bringing a more conservative mindset to the city, Los Angeles is simply too far "woke" today. With only 13% of residents identifying as Republican and racial politics playing a growing role, Caruso was up against a Democratic establishment candidate who didn't need to spend much to win.
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