Harris endorses Mayor Bass for LA re-election amid fire criticism

Former Vice President Kamala Harris on Monday endorsed Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass for re-election, citing Bass's record on homelessness and crime as the incumbent faces four major challengers and scrutiny over her handling of the Palisades Fire.

The endorsement from a former vice president gives Bass a high-profile boost in a competitive race that will shape Los Angeles's direction on homelessness and public safety for years to come.

Harris released a statement praising Bass for achieving a first-ever two-year consecutive decline in homelessness in Los Angeles and reducing crime to levels the city has not seen since the 1960s, according to ABC7 Los Angeles.

"She has done what so many said couldn't be done - the first ever two-year decline in homelessness, reducing crime levels this city hasn't seen since the 1960s, and refusing to back down when the federal government came after our neighbors," Harris said in the statement.

The endorsement arrives as Bass campaigns for a second term against four major challengers. The mayor has drawn criticism over her administration's response to the Palisades Fire, ABC7 reported.

Harris specifically highlighted Bass's willingness to confront federal pressure, framing the mayor's stance as a defense of Los Angeles residents when they needed it most.

The Los Angeles mayoral race will test whether Bass's record on homelessness and crime can overcome the political fallout from the Palisades Fire as voters prepare to cast their ballots.