U.S. Rep. Karen Bass defeated developer Rick Caruso to become the next mayor of Los Angeles on Wednesday, making her the first Black woman to hold the post. The race was a lively, expensive affair that drew the attention of the nation during particularly challenging times for the City of Angels.
After the outcome was announced on Wednesday, one week and multiple balloting updates after Election Day, each candidate released statements to their supporters. The following is the complete text from each:
Rep. Karen Bass during the Los Angeles County Democratic Election night party at the Hollywood Palladium in Hollywood on Tuesday, November 8, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
STATEMENT FROM MAYOR-ELECT KAREN BASS:
“This evening, I received a gracious call from Rick Caruso, who is someone who I hope continues his civic participation in the city that we both love. I have great respect for his commitment to serving the people of Los Angeles.
“The people of Los Angeles have sent a clear message: it is time for change and it is time for urgency.
“This is the city where I was born. It’s the city where my mother and my father raised me and my three brothers. It’s the city where I raised my children and where my children are raising their children — with Emilia and Michael always in our hearts.
“This is my home, and with my whole heart, I’m ready to serve, and my pledge to you is that we will hit the ground running on Day One.
“I am honored and humbled that the people have chosen me to be the next Mayor of Los Angeles.
“I ran for mayor to urgently confront the crises our hometown faces. Tonight, 40,000 Angelenos will sleep without a home — and 5 will not wake up. Crime is increasing and families are being priced out of their neighborhoods.
“This must change.
“To the people of Los Angeles, my message is this:
“We are going to solve homelessness.
“We are going to prevent and respond urgently to crime.
“Los Angeles is no longer going to be unaffordable for working families — good jobs and affordable housing construction are on the way.
“And know this — that work has already begun.
“My administration will bring everyone to the table. The challenges we face affect us all, and all or us must be a part of our solutions.
“Los Angeles is the greatest city on earth. I know, if we come together, hold each other accountable, and focus on the best of who we are and what we can achieve, we can create better neighborhoods today and a better future for our children.
“To the people of Los Angeles, thank you.
“To the thousands of people who worked on my campaign, thank you.
“To everyone who will join our mission to move L.A. in a new direction, thank you.
“We will get big things done together.”
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Los Angeles Mayoral Candidate Rick Caruso meets with businesses and community members at Rocco’s Tavern in Studio City Monday, Nov 7, 2022. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
STATEMENT FROM RICK CARUSO:
“From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank you for your steadfast support and enthusiasm these last nine months. It has meant the absolute world to my family and me to count you and so many others, not just as supporters, but as fellow Angelenos who share the love and faith we have in this great place we call home.
“This campaign has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I am so proud of my campaign. We held true to the core values of our family – integrity, honesty, and respect for all.
“While we came up short in the count, we made an indelible impact on this city and its people that will last far beyond the campaign trail or Election Day. We elevated the discourse of the campaign and focused attention on the issues that matter. From my first day as a candidate we relentlessly talked about the plight of the unhoused and the inhumanity of City policies that keep them on the streets, vulnerable and exposed, instead of inside where they can get services they need. From day one, we exposed the deep-seated corruption and built-in mechanisms that foster that corruption. We never wavered in our support for our first responders, the brave men and women of the LAPD, LAFD, and other law enforcement agencies who constantly amaze our communities with their courage, acts of heroism and service. Most of all, we never stopped believing that local government can and should be a force for good, a force that levels the playing field for everyone, a source of pride and inspiration that helps families achieve the American dream.
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“Although at times, our family was disheartened by the untrue attacks in search of victory, not values, the beauty of this great city is that it was built on optimism and hope, sentiments that I hold dear to my heart and ones I know have given me the strength to endure and keep fighting no matter what I have faced. But more than anything, I continue to be inspired by the good. The decent, hard-working people of Los Angeles. This movement of common-sense politics and policies that actually lift people up will only grow and get stronger because it is built on hope and a belief that we can and should do better. There will be more to come from the movement we created.
“Thank you again for your support, optimism, and most importantly, your friendship.”