Karen Bass, a social worker and former congresswoman, has been elected as Los Angeles' first female mayor.
Ms. Bass, 69, won 53% of the vote in a historically close race against billionaire real estate developer Rick Caruso to become the first female and second black mayor of the second-largest city in the United States.
Ms. Bass campaigned on a platform of urgently addressing a widespread crisis that has spiralled out of control, reducing crime rates, and reestablishing public confidence in government by addressing numerous scandals that have eroded that confidence.
In a statement after her win was announced by the Associated Press, Ms Baren said: “Now, it’s time to get to work and move our city in a new direction. It’s time to house people immediately, increase safety and opportunity in every neighbourhood, and create a new standard of ethics and accountability at City Hall.”
“It is time for change and it is time for urgency,” she added.
Chairman of the Los Angeles County Democratic Party (LACDP), Mark J. Gonzalez, said Ms Bass’s win represents the political and socio-economic aspirations of the people.
“Her (Ms Bass) victory sends a clear message about the kind of Los Angeles we want and see for ourselves.”
“We’ve always said this race is about the soul of Los Angeles and voters clearly spoke up to reject an attempt to buy this race. I’m thrilled to congratulate Mayor-elect Karen Bass and know she and her team will quickly dive in with the kind of vision we need to keep progressing toward a future of inclusivity, equity and purpose.”
Ms Bass’ election is another step forward for women in leadership in her hometown, as she joins an increasingly female lineup of local leaders, including the city’s first female city attorney and the county’s powerful, five-member Board of Supervisors, which is dominated by women.