Karen Bass addresses Los Angeles for the 1st time as mayor-elect
"No matter who you voted for, no matter who you are or where you live - I will be a mayor for you," Bass said.
LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Karen Bass, the first woman elected Los Angeles mayor, addressed the city Thursday for the first time as mayor-elect after she defeated Rick Caruso.
In addition to being the first woman, Bass will also be the second Black person to be L.A. mayor. Tom Bradley was the city's first Black mayor, serving from 1973 to 1993.
"No matter who you voted for, no matter who you are or where you live - I will be a mayor for you," Bass said while delivering her first remarks as mayor-elect. "That's the only way forward. The crisis we face affects us all and all of us must be part of the solution."
Bass reiterated that one of her first priorities as mayor would be to tackle the city's homeless crisis.
"I said all along that on day one - and day one is Dec. 12 - I will declare a state of emergency. We will identify very specific areas where we will get people housed and we will roll out a whole plan in order to do that," she said.
She added her experience as a "coalition builder" will help in accomplishing her goals as mayor.
"Being a coalition builder is about marshalling all of the resources, all of the skills, the knowledge, the talent of this city... It's about marshalling your resources to solve your problems."
In a statement, outgoing Mayor Eric Garcetti said Bass has received his unconditional support and said she is already preparing with his team on the transfer of power.
"This is a historic moment and a win for all Angelenos. Mayor-elect Bass has been a personal friend for decades, and her leadership has been a constant source of inspiration and guidance during my years in office. What Karen brings to this moment is unparalleled energy and experience, both legislative and lived, from which she will drive the city's next chapter," Garcetti said.
Challenger Caruso initially held the lead for a short time after Election Day. He conceded Wednesday after the latest vote count showed Bass had extended her lead with nearly 47,000 votes.
Caruso said in a statement that "the voters have spoken," adding that he was proud of his campaign.
"There will be more to come from the movement we built, but for now, as a city we need to unite around Mayor-elect Bass and give her the support she needs to tackle the many issues we face. Congratulations, Karen, and God-speed," the statement said in part.
On Thursday, Bass said she looks forward to working with Caruso in the future.
"I have great respect for anyone who is willing to put it all on the line to serve the public... I know that he will continue his civic participation in the city that we both love," Bass said.
She takes office next month as the city contends with an out-of-control homeless crisis and City Council faces a racism scandal that led to the resignation of its former president and calls for the resignation of two more members.
Bass will replace Eric Garcetti, who will conclude two terms as mayor.
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City News Service contributed to this report.
