Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has officially announced her bid for re-election in the upcoming 2026 mayoral race.

In July 2024, she filed the necessary paperwork to form a fundraising committee for the June 2026 election, becoming the first candidate to do so, according to the city’s Ethics Commission.

Bass emphasized her commitment to continuing the momentum of her administration, highlighting achievements such as a 10.4% decrease in unsheltered homelessness through her “Inside Safe” initiative.

The 2026 Los Angeles mayoral election is scheduled for June 2, 2026, with a potential runoff on November 3, 2026, if no candidate secures a majority.

While Bass has declared her candidacy, the political landscape remains dynamic, with discussions about potential challengers gaining traction.

Notably, Rick Caruso, whom Bass narrowly defeated in 2022, has been vocal in his criticism of her administration, particularly regarding the handling of the January 2025 wildfires. Despite this, no formal challenger has yet emerged to contest Bass’s re-election bid.