California Gov. Gavin Newsom finally picks his favorite in LA mayor's race

Governor Gavin Newsom endorsed incumbent Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass ahead of the June 2 election. Newsom cited an 18% decline in homelessness in Los Angeles while homelessness increased nationally, historic drops in violent crime, increased film production, and protections for communities against ICE. Newsom said Bass has his full support for reelection. Newsom and Bass have maintained a friendly relationship in California Democratic politics. Bass supported Newsom during his 2021 recall effort. Newsom stayed neutral during the 2022 mayoral primary between Bass and Rick Caruso. Recent polling showed Bass at 26% among likely voters, Raman at 25%, and Pratt at 22%.

"The California governor on Thursday revealed his endorsement for incumbent Mayor Karen Bass ahead of the election on June 2. It comes as she falters in the polling against far-left Councilwoman Nithya Raman, who is backed by the Democratic Socialists of America, and former reality TV star Spencer Pratt. "The work Karen Bass is doing in Los Angeles is making our entire state stronger, with an 18% decline in homelessness while it grew nationally, historic drops in violent crime, boosting film production in L.A., and protecting our communities against ICE," Newsom told the LA Times. "She has my full support for reelection," the termed-out governor added."

"Newsom and Bass, longtime fixtures in California Democratic politics, have maintained a friendly and supportive rapport. When Newsom faced a formidable recall election in 2021, Bass, alongside other prominent leaders in California, held public press conferences to aggressively support the governor. When Bass ran for Los Angeles mayor in 2022 against billionaire Rick Caruso, Newsom remained notably neutral during the heated primary. He ultimately did not endorse either candidate in the heavily watched race, a move some strategists attributed to his cautious approach to California's massive, multi-billionaire donor base and his own rising national profile."

"Back in March, Newsom signaled his support for Bass's reelection without making a formal endorsement. Newsom may have felt the need to weigh in as both Pratt and Raman appear to have a fair shot at the highest office in the second-largest city in the United States. Follow the latest on Spencer Pratt: Bass has 26% support from likely voters, while Raman stands at 25% and Pratt at 22%, according to a poll released earlier Thursday. Pratt appears to align strongly with MAGA and more conservative voters, while Raman has appealed t"

Read at California Post