Karen Bass made history in 2022 as the first woman to govern Los Angeles, California's largest city. As a member of the Democratic Party, she has built her reputation as a community leader and legislator, advocating for immigrants’ rights since the return of Donald Trump to the presidency, branding the city as a sanctuary for immigrants. Her journey began in Venice/Fairfax, where she graduated high school and went on to attain a medical assistant degree and a master's in social work from the University of Southern California.

Bass's entry into politics was marked by her role in the State Assembly, where she became the first African American woman to lead the chamber. Her dedication to community organizing is highlighted by her founding of the Community Coalition, which addresses substance abuse, poverty, and crime, particularly within African American and Latino communities. Her commitment to these causes has shaped her political identity and continues to influence her policy initiatives.

As Bass gears up for her reelection campaign, her focus on positioning Los Angeles as a welcoming sanctuary for immigrants resonates with her base while drawing significant attention from both local supporters and adversaries. The upcoming election will be a significant test of her ability to maintain support among constituents as she navigates the complexities of local and national political landscapes, particularly in light of ongoing immigration debates.