Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is not rushing to return Gov. Gavin Newsom’s political favor, declining to say whether she would back him if he runs for president in 2028. The comments came during a Saturday interview on MS NOW with host Jacob Soboroff, as Bass heads into a November runoff against City Council member Nithya Raman, who is backed by the Democratic Socialists of America.
When asked whether she would have accepted the DSA’s support, Bass said she did not seek it and added that their policy views do not align. The conversation then shifted to Newsom, who has endorsed Bass’s reelection campaign.
Asked whether she was prepared to endorse Newsom for president, Bass laughed off the question and said, “Oh, my! Too early! Too early!” She also said Newsom has not spoken to her about a possible White House bid.
Newsom previously issued a public statement backing Bass’s reelection, saying her work in Los Angeles has strengthened California and pointing to declines in homelessness and violent crime, along with support for film production and protection of local communities against ICE. Bass’s campaign has said Newsom’s support is expected to help as the primary election approaches.
