L.A. Mayor Villaraigosa endorses former Assembly Speaker Karen Bass for Congress
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Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa on Wednesday endorsed former state Assembly Speaker Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles) for Congress, saying his longtime friend and political ally will help ensure that L.A. receives its fair share of federal support.
“We need representation in the Congress that understands the needs of this city, the complexities of this city, the diversity of the city, and no one that I know truly understands those complexities, the diversity, the need for a fair share of resources like Karen Bass,’’ Villaraigosa said during an afternoon news conference on the steps of City Hall.
Bass is running for a seat that opened with the retirement of Democratic Rep. Diane Watson, who announced last month that she would not run for reelection after 35 years in public office. Watson has endorsed Bass.
California’s 33rd Congressional District is a Democratic stronghold and the area has long been represented by African Americans. Aside from Bass, five other candidates have taken formal steps to run: Mervin L. Evans and Deputy Los Angeles City Atty. Felton Newell, both Democrats, and three Republicans: James L. Andion, an attorney; David C. Crowley II, a community college student; and Phil Jennerjahn, an entertainer.
Villaraigosa said Bass, 56, a former community organizer who must leave the Assembly because of term limits, is perfectly equipped to represent the ethnically diverse district and city and has a track record of forging political coalitions.
Villaraigosa and Bass have known one another for more than 35 years, both working on community activities in L.A. when they were in their 20s.
-- Phil Willon at L.A. City Hall
