LA Mayor Bass, Seeking Reelection, Deals with PR Nightmare Amid Wildfires

Less Than Two Weeks After the Start of the Wildfires, Critics Demand Bass’ Resignation

Less than two weeks after the start of what has become one of the state’s most destructive natural disasters, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass continues to face backlash for her response to the Southern California wildfires, with critics demanding her resignation and some even floating a recall effort.

Rebuilding and Recovery Efforts

On Friday, the mayor announced the appointment of former Los Angeles Police Commission President Steve Soboroff as the city’s chief recovery officer to oversee rebuilding and recovery efforts.

And earlier in the week, Bass issued a sweeping emergency executive order to remove barriers and accelerate efforts for homeowners and businesses to rebuild.

“This unprecedented natural disaster warrants an unprecedented response that will expedite the rebuilding of homes, businesses and communities,” Bass said then. “This order is the first step in clearing away red tape and bureaucracy to organize around urgency, common sense and compassion. We will do everything we can to get Angelenos back home.”

Political Fallout

The first-term mayor, who is seeking reelection next year, has lost some goodwill with voters. But the question remains: If she hasn’t resigned or been recalled, is there still time for Bass to repair her image before the June 2026 primary election?

The answer depends on whom you ask.

“The damage that Karen Bass has suffered, I don’t think it’s repairable,” said veteran political consultant Garry South.

“Let’s face it: She was ill-advisedly in Africa, of all places, when the fires broke out, leaving even after the warnings of fire danger and extreme high winds had been made public,” South added. “And even though she rushed home to a degree … she’s appeared shaky, defensive and behind the curve on the ground.”

Bill Burton, another political consultant who volunteered on Bass’ successful mayoral campaign, said the criticisms of her being in Ghana when the fires erupted are “profoundly unfair.” Bass traveled to the West African country as part of a Biden administration delegation for the inauguration of Ghana’s new president.

Burton also said the notion that Bass should resign is “completely preposterous.”

“I’m sympathetic to the fact that she’s got a very important job at a profoundly important moment for Los Angeles,” said Burton. “And she’s got to keep her head above the criticisms and continue to do that job. It’s difficult for anybody to have that consequential a job and not face criticism. … It’s the nature of politics. But good leaders are able to rise above that and continue to do their job.”

Recall Effort

Multiple change.org petitions are circulating, with petitioners demanding Bass’ resignation. One petition, with more than 153,000 signatures as of Friday, Jan. 17, called for Bass’ immediate resignation or a recall.

While a change.org petition isn’t the official way to get a recall question on the ballot, Politico, citing an anonymous source, reported that Silicon Valley billionaire Nicole Shanahan is “actively involved” in a recall attempt of Bass and is preparing to fund it. Shanahan was Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s running mate this past election cycle during his abandoned third-party presidential campaign.

Conclusion

The ongoing crisis has presented a significant challenge for Bass’ re-election bid, and the mayor’s response has been met with widespread criticism. While some have called for her resignation, others believe that she can still recover and rebuild her image. Only time will tell if Bass can overcome this PR nightmare and remain a viable candidate for re-election.

FAQs

Q: Why is Karen Bass facing backlash for her response to the wildfires?
A: Bass is facing criticism for her trip to Ghana during the wildfires, as well as her perceived lack of transparency and leadership during the crisis.

Q: Is there a recall effort underway to remove Bass from office?
A: Yes, multiple change.org petitions are circulating, and Politico reported that Silicon Valley billionaire Nicole Shanahan is “actively involved” in a recall attempt of Bass and is preparing to fund it.

Q: Can Bass recover from this PR nightmare and remain a viable candidate for re-election?
A: It’s unclear. Some believe that she can still recover and rebuild her image, while others believe that the damage is too great and she cannot recover.