Hollywood Stars Rally Behind Mayor Karen Bass in Los Angeles Mayoral Race

Prominent figures from Hollywood are publicly endorsing Mayor Karen Bass as early voting commences in the Los Angeles mayoral race. Actors Samuel L. Jackson, Jane Fonda, and Anthony Anderson, among others, have released statements and videos urging voters to re-elect Bass, emphasizing her experience and effectiveness in addressing the city's challenges.

Samuel L. Jackson, in a video shared Sunday, directly addressed the city's homelessness crisis, criticizing challenger Nithya Raman's approach. Jackson stated, "Battling the nationwide homeless epidemic is the hardest job in the American government. Karen Bass walked toward it in one day. Her opponent chaired the city council’s housing and homelessness committee and canceled meetings on it." He added, "It’s easy to run a pilot in one district and call it a model. Try doing it in 15 districts with Washington cutting your funding, while the whole country watches. That’s the job Karen Bass has done… Vote, motherf*****!"

Actress and activist Jane Fonda expressed her support last week, calling Bass "a woman of the people" and highlighting her long history of activism and public service. Fonda noted Bass's experience in the State Assembly and Congress, asserting, "She knows how to govern. We have to keep her as the Mayor of Los Angeles."

Actor Anthony Anderson pointed to Bass's impact on the film industry, crediting her with the creation of the California Film and Television Tax Credit. "She created the California Film and Television Tax Credit. Gov. Newsom credits Mayor Bass with boosting film production here in California. I’ll take the person who built the bridge over the person that’s promising one," Anderson said in a video released Saturday.

Cedric the Entertainer also endorsed Bass, stating, "She is the right person for the job." He noted his long-standing acquaintance with Bass, dating back to her time in the California Legislature and the House of Representatives.

The race has become a significant financial contest. While Bass is receiving public backing from entertainment figures, substantial outside funding has largely supported Raman. The committee Estamos Con Nithya, funded by organized labor and hedge fund manager Aaron Sosnick, has been a major spender. Records indicate that the Western States Regional Council of Carpenters contributed over $10 million to this committee by Thursday, with Sosnick accounting for $6 million of that sum.

Campaign finance reports show Bass has raised approximately $3.4 million, while Raman has raised $3 million. However, Raman maintains a stronger cash reserve with nearly $1.4 million on hand, nearly double Bass's available funds. Bass secured $827,000 in contributions and public matching funds during the period ending October 17, while Raman raised $485,000.

A recent survey by California Post-McLaughlin & Associates revealed widespread voter dissatisfaction in Los Angeles, with 66.2% of respondents believing the city is on the wrong track. Homelessness was identified as the primary concern for voters (47.3%), followed by the cost of living (41.7%) and housing affordability (35.4%). The poll also indicated that 71.7% of respondents disapproved of Bass's performance as mayor, with 25.5% approving. Among registered Democrats, disapproval stood at 65.5%.

Voters can cast their ballots before Election Day on November 3.