Democratic socialist Rae Huang challenges LA Mayor Karen Bass for mayoral seat

Democratic socialist candidate Rae Huang launches her Los Angeles mayoral campaign against Democratic incumbent Karen Bass.

“I am excited and deeply humbled to announce that I am running for Mayor of Los Angeles, our nation’s second largest city,” Huang wrote. his Instagram account Saturday. “After over 20 years of pursuing my calling to serve God through social justice work and organizing, that path has led me to the unconventional path of continuing my calling in these uncertain times by running for Mayor to finally see the changes that the Los Angeles social justice movement and I have been building for years.”

The 43-year-old community organizer and Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) member wrote that her campaign will focus on universal housing, free transportation, climate change resilience and affordability, similar to New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s first campaign.

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He also wrote that he aimed to undertake what he called the “establishment” in the city.

“Over the past decade, I have worked with Los Angeles organizers and neighbors on solutions for our city. Now it’s time to implement them. I will run against the establishment and the billionaire class and will not accept any money from corporations,” Huang wrote.

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In an interview with Los Angeles TimesHuang refrained from making direct comparisons with Mamdani but added that he hoped to receive approval from the local DSA chapter, which celebrated Mamdani’s victory.

Rae Huang’s campaign promises mirrored New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s campaign earlier this month. (Yuki Iwamura/AP Photo)

Bass expressed disappointment with Bass’ leadership in tackling issues of homelessness and recent summer political violence, calling his new campaign a “moment of change.”

“We are in a place in our country and our political environment where people are stuck and afraid,” Huang said. “They think nothing will change, and the things that change make things worse.”

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Fox News Digital has reached out to Huang for comment.

Bass spokesman Doug Herman defended the mayor’s record in a statement to Fox News Digital.

Progressive activist Katie Wilson (left) defeated Seattle’s incumbent Democratic Mayor Bruce Harrell (right) in the recent election. (Katie Wilson Campaign/Getty Images)

“Under Mayor Bass’ leadership, unprecedented progress has been made on the issues that matter most to Angelenos,” Herman said. “Homelessness is down for the first time in two years in a row, neighborhoods are safer and there are significant declines in crime, and the Palisades fire continues at a much faster pace with the fastest recovery and rebuilding in California history. Plus, there was no one better to defend Los Angeles than Mayor Karen Bass when Trump’s ICE raids began, and we won a court decision to help stop illegal raids and unconstitutional arrests. That’s what we need to move Los Angeles forward.”

Last year, more progressive candidates were challenging incumbent Democrats across the country.

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Last week, progressive activist Katie Wilson successfully defeated Seattle Democratic Mayor Bruce Harrell. Like Mamdani, Wilson advocated subsidized grocery stores, higher taxes on the wealthy, and more affordable housing.

The article has been updated to include a statement from Mayor Bass’ office.