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2mo ago

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.

FILE — Nicole Shanahan, the running mate of independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., speaks during a campaign event in Austin, Texas, May 13, 2024. Shanahan, who pumped millions into Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s campaign last year and joined him on the ticket, is now powering an effort to remove Mayor Bass of Los Angeles. (Jordan Vonderhaar/The New York Times)
FILE - New Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass speaks during her inaugural address, Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022. The new mayor of Los Angeles, Bass, said Sunday, Dec. 18, her administration will start moving homeless people in tent encampments into hotel and motel rooms through a new program that launches Tuesday. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File)
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Overview

  • 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.