los angeles mayor race enters final stretch as challenger Karen Bass gains momentum in latest poll
Los Angeles, California (Reuters) — The los angeles mayor race has intensified in its final weeks, with city council member Kevin de León facing a surge from former congressional representative Karen Bass, according to a new survey released Thursday by the University of Southern California. The poll shows Bass narrowing the gap to within three percentage points, signaling a highly competitive contest for the city’s top executive office ahead of the November election.
Why it matters: The election will determine the successor to outgoing Mayor Eric Garcetti, who is term-limited, and comes amid rising concerns over homelessness, public safety, and economic recovery in Los Angeles. Bass’s momentum, driven by endorsements from labor unions and progressive groups, contrasts with de León’s focus on police funding and infrastructure improvements.
Key details: The USC poll surveyed 1,200 likely voters from October 10 to October 12, with a margin of error of plus or minus 2.8 percent. Bass garnered 47 percent support, while de León held 50 percent, with 3 percent undecided. Notably, voter turnout among younger demographics and Latino communities has increased, partially attributed to Bass’s advocacy on housing affordability.
Context: The los angeles mayor race has been marked by sharp debates over homelessness policies, with de León proposing expanded shelter construction and Bass championing rent control measures. The contest has also drawn national attention, as Los Angeles grapples with a crime rise and a housing crisis affecting over 40,000 residents.
What’s next: Both campaigns are intensifying ground efforts, with de León planning a rally in San Pedro on Saturday and Bass scheduling a town hall in South Los Angeles. Political analysts predict the race could hinge on independent voters in the city’s mid-city districts, where early voting continues through Election Day on November 5.