Los Angeles Mayoral Candidates Clash Over $14 Billion Budget Ahead of June 2 Primary
Updated
Updated · LAist · May 13
Los Angeles Mayoral Candidates Clash Over $14 Billion Budget Ahead of June 2 Primary
6 articles · Updated · LAist · May 13
June 2 is the first test in Los Angeles’ mayoral race, with incumbent Karen Bass seeking a second term and a crowded field arguing over how to run the city’s $14 billion government.
43,000-plus unhoused residents, recovery from the Palisades Fire and planning for the 2028 Olympics dominate the campaign, giving voters a choice between Bass’ current approach and rivals promising audits, tougher enforcement or more housing.
Bass is defending her record by citing a 17.5% drop in street homelessness and lower crime, while critics attack her handling of the fire that killed 12 people and burned nearly 7,000 structures.
The next mayor will also confront a police force below 8,700 officers, decisions on denser housing and Olympic preparations for as many as 15 million visitors.
If no candidate wins a majority in the June primary, the top two finishers advance to a November runoff.
With public trust low and major challenges ahead, can any single mayor truly fix a city of four million?
With Olympic costs potentially hitting $12 billion, what guarantees protect LA taxpayers from massive overruns?
If 40% of people in LA's top homeless program return to the streets, can any new plan truly succeed?
Race for L.A. Mayor 2026: $14.8 Billion Budget, Poll Surges, and the Anti-Establishment Wave
Overview
As the June 2 Los Angeles mayoral primary approaches, the race is heating up with Mayor Karen Bass holding a steady lead while the number of undecided voters is dropping. This shift shows that more voters are making up their minds in the final weeks. The battle for the second spot in the runoff is especially close, fueled by the surprising rise of Spencer Pratt, a former reality TV star running as a Republican in this nonpartisan contest. His unexpected surge has made the race more unpredictable, turning what could have been a straightforward election into a highly competitive and dynamic contest.