U.S. Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA) announced a 2022 mayoral run on Monday. If Bass is elected, this will make her the first woman mayor and second Black mayor in the city's history, the Los Angeles Times reports.

Bass launched her campaign on Monday and addressed the homelessness crisis in the city.

"Our city is facing a public health, safety, and economic crisis in homelessness that has evolved into a humanitarian emergency," Bass said in a statement. "I've spent my entire life bringing groups of people together in coalitions to solve complex problems and produce concrete change — especially in times of crisis."

The seat is currently occupied by Eric Garcetti, who's in his second term in office. Bass said she's more than ready to take over.

“With my whole heart, I’m ready. Let’s do this — together. I’m running for mayor," she said.

Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA) has announced a run for mayor of Los Angeles. If elected, Bass would be the city’s first woman mayor and second Black mayor.@KarenBassLA highlighted the homelessness crisis yesterday: “I have been under tremendous pressure to come home.” pic.twitter.com/HVwG5Rsx1I

— The Recount (@therecount) September 27, 2021

Bass is a Los Angeles native and currently represents the 37th district, an area that includes the historically Black neighborhoods of South Los Angeles and Crenshaw.

Bass will be running against City Attorney Mike Feuer, real estate broker Mel Wilson and businesswoman Jessica Lall, as well as city councilmen Kevin de León and Joe Buscaino.

Time management will be crucial for the 2022 candidate, who will have to divide her commitments between campaigning and her obligations in Washington.

"She is certainly capable of continuing to be a leader in D.C. during the campaign," her campaign manager, Jamarah Hayner, told the Times.

Hayner announced Steve Barkan and Parke Skelton would be brought on as political strategists for Bass' run.

In 2008, Bass acted as a physician's assistant and community organizer, becoming the first Black woman speaker at the California State Assembly. She's cultivated close relationships with President Joe Biden and fellow Californian Nancy Pelosi. Bass, who previously headed the Congressional Black Caucus, is currently serving her sixth congressional term.

During the last presidential campaign, Bass was said to have been on a shortlist of potential running mates for President Biden.

Jamarah-Hayner

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