Karen Bass Decides Not to Attend FOX 11 Mayoral Forum
Karen Bass Withdraws from Upcoming Los Angeles Mayoral Forum
LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has decided not to participate in a televised candidate forum scheduled for Wednesday on FOX 11, according to co-sponsors of the event. Her absence leaves three candidates on the panel for the discussion ahead of the June 2 primary election.
The forum, co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters and the Pat Brown Institute for Public Affairs, was set to air on May 13. Originally, five candidates were invited, but now only Councilwoman Nithya Raman, businessman Adam Miller, and community advocate Rae Huang will be present.
Bass’s campaign explained her withdrawal, noting her heavy debate schedule, which included two face-offs against her leading challengers recently. Instead of attending the forum, Bass will advocate in Sacramento for funding related to housing, homelessness, and events such as the Olympics and World Cup.
Spokesman Alex Stack stated, "Mayor Bass will be in Sacramento that day fighting for funding for housing, homelessness, and Palisades Fire recovery, and will also discuss the city and state partnership on the Olympics and World Cup."
The League of Women Voters and the Pat Brown Institute expressed disappointment at the decision, releasing a joint statement underscoring the importance of public forums. "These forums provide voters with the opportunity to hear candidates share their perspectives, respond to questions, and engage with one another on issues facing Los Angeles," they noted.
As the forum continues without Bass, one notable absence will be reality television personality Spencer Pratt, who was also invited but has a scheduling conflict. The event will air live from 6 PM to 7:30 PM PT, hosted by FOX 11 anchors Marla Tellez and Bob DeCastro.
