Election 2026 Los Angeles Mayor

A major federal raid around a park near downtown Los Angeles known for homeless encampments and out-in-the-open drug use came just as voters began selecting their next mayor. Democratic Mayor Karen Bass is up for reelection after a difficult first term framed by the most destructive wildfire in city history and its aftermath. The raid Wednesday resulted in 18 arrests and targeted fentanyl and methamphetamine distribution in and around MacArthur Park. It came after years of complaints from residents that crime and drug use in the area were out of control. Bass has been trying to convince the city council to accelerate police hiring.