LA mayor's race: Sen. Bernie Sanders campaigns for Rep. Karen Bass at Playa Vista rally

PLAYA VISTA, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders visited Playa Vista Thursday evening to campaign for Rep. Karen Bass at a rally after he endorsed her for mayor of Los Angeles.

Sanders earlier this month officially endorsed Bass in her bid to become mayor of L.A.

Sanders, a two-time presidential candidate, is visiting several states to campaign for Bass and other Democratic candidates. He hopes to energize young voters who have been his strongest supporters.

At the rally, the senator appeared alongside Bass in front of a big crowd of supporters.

"She is going to be the leading mayor of a major city in this country," Sanders declared.

He lashed out at billionaires for making huge profits at a time when many families are struggling to pay bills due to inflation.

As the midterm elections approach, Sanders says it will be a fight to protect democracy.

"And this entire election, from L.A. to Vermont and all across this country is whether or not we stand up for justice and decency, or we vote for people who are trying to tear us apart," Sanders said.

With less than two weeks before Election Day, Bass discussed the challenges the city faces, such as homelessness, crime and the cost of living.

Polls show she is in a close race with billionaire developer Rick Caruso, who spent the evening going door to door in Sherman Oaks talking to voters.

Earlier in the day, Caruso met with leaders of the Jewish community, condemning the rise in antisemitic comments and recent disturbing incidents in L.A.