Karen Bass is the 43rd mayor of Los Angeles, CA. The first woman and second African American to be elected to this office, she is focused on housing, safety, and opportunity throughout the city. Previously, Bass was a Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives from California, representing the 33rd and 37th districts from 2011 to 2022. Prior to this, she was a member, and then speaker, of the California State Assembly representing the 47th District from 2004 to 2010. Earlier in her career, Bass founded the Community Coalition against substance abuse, poverty, and crime in South Los Angeles and was a nurse and physician assistant. Her recognition includes the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award.