Results continued to come in from the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk’s office, with Bass and Caruso trading their issues, but neither candidate had won a split of more than a few thousand votes. In a tight mayoral race, the front-runner is Bass, a former state Assembly speaker who has the advantage of being a lifelong Democrat in a city where Republicans are almost invisible. She is backed by President Joe Biden and the Democratic establishment and promises to use her skills as a coalition builder to heal a wounded city. WATCH: Los Angeles mayoral candidates Karen Bass, Rick Caruso discuss crime and more Caruso is campaigning for a sharp change in direction, arguing that Bass and other longtime politicians are part of the problem that has sent Los Angeles into multiple crises. He promises to expand the police department to deal with rising crime rates and quickly remove the ubiquitous homeless encampments from the streets. The race remained too close to call hours after the polls closed.
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In speeches at their respective parties on election night, both Caruso and Bass acknowledged that the race may be too close to call for a while. Bass spoke to supporters in Hollywood, acknowledging the challenges the city faces, but said she wants to build a city that works for everyone. “We wanted a campaign that felt like Los Angeles,” Bass said. “A campaign that reflected the hope, diversity and brilliance of our city — a vision of our city moving in a new direction… We have a vision of a city that is truly safe.” Meanwhile, Caruso held an election party at The Grove in Fairfax County and later took the stage to address his own supporters. “Everyone deserves their chance at the American dream, so we have important work to do,” Caruso said. “We have dreams of a better life to make a reality for so many. And I come here tonight full of anticipation and excitement for what’s to come and what we can do together.” The election has historic proportions as the City Council grapples with a racism scandal that led to the ouster of its former president and calls for the resignation of two more members, an unabated homelessness crisis, corruption investigations and widespread concern about crime. from daytime robberies on city sidewalks to high-end shoplifting. The winner will replace embattled Democrat Eric Garcetti, who will complete two unequal terms with his nomination to be US ambassador to India stalled in the Senate, apparently over sexual misconduct allegations against a former top Garcetti adviser. The Associated Press and City News Service contributed to this report. Want to read this article in Spanish? Click here
LA Mayor Race: Live Results
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