Former Los Angeles schools superintendent launches challenge to Mayor Karen Bass

Former Los Angeles schools Superintendent Austin Beutner announced he’s running for mayor, challenging Karen Bass in her re-election bid.

Former Los Angeles schools Superintendent Austin Beutner announced he’s running for mayor, challenging Karen Bass in her re-election bid.

"I voted for Karen Bass last time," Beutner said in an announcement video Monday. "We had hopes, but now even she admits we need a citywide turnaround."

"I agree, Los Angeles needs change," he continued. "This isn't an ordinary time, and I'm not an ordinary candidate. But we've solved tough problems before. Together, we can get Los Angeles back on track."

Beutner's entry into the race marks the first major challenge to Bass, who was elected in 2022 and is running for a second term. Both Beutner and Bass are Democrats. The mayor has faced criticism for her handling of the deadly Palisades Fire, which left communities in rubble.

Beutner criticized the mayor for the wildfire response in his announcement video, saying that "fire hydrants that don't work are a metaphor for the failure of leadership in City Hall." His comments referred to water tanks and some fire hydrants temporarily running dry as firefighters battled the flames.