Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass Faces Recall Effort Over Wildfire Response

Critics cite her absence during January's devastating fires and budget cuts to firefighting resources as key failures.

A recall campaign against Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has been launched, citing her handling of January's wildfires as a primary issue.
The recall effort is financially backed by Nicole Shanahan, a billionaire and former running mate of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has pledged significant resources to the campaign.
Bass faced criticism for being on a diplomatic trip to Ghana when fires broke out and for prior budget cuts to the city's fire department, which reportedly hampered the response.
To trigger a recall election, organizers must collect approximately 330,000 valid signatures from registered voters within 120 days.
While past recall attempts in Los Angeles have failed, bipartisan frustration with Bass's leadership may increase the likelihood of success for this effort.