Bass planning to run for reelection amid talk of LA mayoral bid

Rep. Karen Bass (D-Calif.) is planning to run for reelection for her House seat, according to a spokesperson for her office.

Bass’s name has been floated as a possible candidate to run for mayor in Los Angeles.

In a statement to The Hill on Wednesday, a spokesperson for Bass said the lawmaker is not considering a run at this time even though she is being urged to do so.

“People are urging her to do it. She is not considering it at this time. Her plan right now is to run for re-election to her House seat in 2022,” Bass’ spokesperson said to The Hill. 

The Washington Post first reported Tuesday that the Los Angeles native might not run due to her close friend and ally, city council member Mark Ridley-Thomas, possibly entering the race. 

Bass has been a leading voice in the national movement on police brutality and racial injustice in the U.S. and is a key player in negotiations on a police reform bill in Congress.

President Biden recently nominated current Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti (D) to be the ambassador to India.