LOS ANGELES, Calif.– Congratulations to Our Weekly endorsed candidate, Congresswoman Elect Karen Bass for stomping out the competition for a seat in the 112th Congress.
Based on unofficial election results, Bass was favored by voters within California’s 33rd District and stomped out the competition with an 86 percent vote with 100 percent of all precincts reporting.
The new Congresswoman said her secret was her relationship with Los Angeles, teamwork, and support.
“I think having worked in the community for decades and having a strong team of volunteers and leadership among those volunteers (helped), and of course with the support of Congresswoman (Diane Watson).”
Throughout her campaign, Watson has shown her unwavering support for the former Speaker.
“I am very humbled and grateful that I was successful and for the percentage of the votes I received. I am very, very, very grateful for Congresswoman Watson,” Bass added.
The newly elected Congresswoman is upon the legacy of what many Los Angeles natives may call a strong leadership in Watson, who has graciously mentored Bass through the process. But upon entering a new realm of leadership, she also has a bit of a challenge before her with a House that is controlled by the Republican Party.
Despite that reality, Bass is determined to do what she promised.
“It’s going to be very interesting to see because the Republican Party is divided,” she explained. “You have the extreme right wing with Tea Party members who were elected and the Republican leadership. It could swing hard right or more moderate.”
Bass believes despite the apparent division, the Republican Party will continue to push their agenda and attempt to limit President Barack Obama’s term to one.
She said that does not scare her from doing what she has to do.
When OW spoke with Bass Wednesday morning, she was already on the job. When asked what are you going to do to celebrate, she said, “Work. It’s day one of the job.”
Passionate about foster care, Bass plans to continue addressing the issue on a national level. She also said her main objectives include finding resources for jobs and transportation in Los Angeles.
In the past few months, African American politicians, including Congressman Charles Rangel (D-NY) and Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), have been under fire with ethics investigations. Bass is hopeful for her peers saying “they will be fine” and she believes the Black community has a chance as transitions are being made. She said with the recent changes, the Black Caucus is looking strong, making up 20 percent of the total Democratic Caucus.
“We are going to have an opportunity,” she said. “It’s never useful to fold your arms and give up. That’s not useful to anyone.”
Bass is a local grown woman who graduated from Hamilton High School and received her bachelors of science degree from California State Dominguez Hills. She continued her education at the University of Southern California School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program. She has worked countless years within the communities of Los Angeles and is known for establishing the Community Coalition, a community-based social justice organization.
