By Stephen Oduntan
Contributing Writer
LOS ANGELES — With chants of “four more years!” echoing through a women-led campaign rally May 9, supporters of Mayor Karen Bass gathered to energize voters ahead of the June 2 mayoral primary and defend the incumbent’s record at a time when the race is growing more competitive.
The “Women for Bass” event brought together community organizers, elected leaders and everyday residents who said Bass deserves another term to continue tackling some of Los Angeles’ toughest challenges — from homelessness to neighborhood stability.
“We’ve already made over 1,200 calls,” one organizer told the crowd, urging supporters to keep knocking on doors, making phone calls, and reminding voters to return their mail ballots.
Former Los Angeles City Controller Wendy Greuel praised Bass for taking on politically difficult issues early in her administration and staying focused on the city’s toughest crises.
“She’s been the workhorse, not the show horse,” Greuel told supporters.
Community voices at the rally said that message still resonates.
Margarita Walker, a Los Angeles resident, said Bass’s experience remains her biggest strength.
“We are willing to do the work to make sure she gets reelected,” Walker said. “You have to look at who has shown they know the work. They know the job.”
Billy Davis, a supporter from West Los Angeles, said challengers have not yet convinced her they are ready to lead the city.
“You can’t just complain about the other person. You have to say what you’re going to do,” she said.
Bass also responded to criticism from challenger Spencer Pratt over her handling of homelessness.
“The fastest-growing sector of the homeless population are senior citizens — women in their late 60s and 70s,” Bass said, arguing that the crisis requires deeper understanding than campaign slogans.
The event came just days after a televised mayoral debate featuring Bass, Pratt, and City Councilwoman Nithya Raman, where candidates clashed over homelessness, leadership and the city’s direction.
Another debate scheduled for May 13 at Cal State Los Angeles was canceled May 10 after Bass and Pratt both withdrew, citing scheduling conflicts. The canceled debate also would have featured Raman, businessman Adam Miller and community advocate Rae Huang.
Judging by the crowd’s energy May 9, Bass’s supporters appeared ready to take the campaign fight beyond the debate stage and into neighborhoods across Los Angeles.
Stephen Oduntan is a freelance writer for Wave Newspapers.
