Karen Bass

Mayor Karen Bass official portrait (crop 3)

Karen Bass, official portrait, 116th Congress.jpg

Karen Ruth Bass (born October 3, 1953) is an American politician and social worker serving as the 43rd Mayor of Los Angeles. She previously represented California's 37th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives from 2013 to 2022. A member of the Democratic Party, Bass also served as the 67th Speaker of the California State Assembly from 2008 to 2010.

Early life and education

Bass was born in Los Angeles, California. She attended San Diego State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in health sciences. She later pursued a career in social work, focusing on issues such as child welfare and family services.

Political career

California State Assembly

Bass was elected to the California State Assembly in 2004, representing the 47th district. She served as the 67th Speaker of the California State Assembly from 2008 to 2010, becoming the first African-American woman to hold the position. During her tenure, she focused on addressing the state's budget crisis and improving healthcare access.

U.S. House of Representatives

In 2010, Bass was elected to the United States House of Representatives, representing California's 33rd congressional district. After redistricting, she represented California's 37th congressional district from 2013 to 2022. In Congress, she served on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the House Committee on the Judiciary. She was also the chair of the Congressional Black Caucus from 2019 to 2021.

Mayor of Los Angeles

Bass was elected as the 43rd Mayor of Los Angeles in 2022, succeeding Eric Garcetti. As mayor, she has focused on addressing homelessness, improving public safety, and promoting economic development.

Personal life

Bass has one daughter. She is known for her commitment to social justice and community service.

See also

• List of mayors of Los Angeles
• California State Assembly
• United States House of Representatives

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|style="width:30%;" rowspan="1"|Preceded by

Laura Richardson

| style="width: 40%; text-align: center;" rowspan="1"| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from [[California's congressional district]]
2013–2022

| style="width: 30%; text-align: center;" rowspan="1"|

Succeeded by

Sydney Kamlager-Dove

|- |- style="text-align:center;"

|style="width:30%;" rowspan="1"|Preceded by

Diane Watson

| style="width: 40%; text-align: center;" rowspan="1"| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from [[California's congressional district]]
2011–2013

| style="width: 30%; text-align: center;" rowspan="1"|

Succeeded by

Henry Waxman

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