Karen Bass: podcast appearances and interviews

Karen Ruth Bass, born on October 3, 1953, is an American politician who has served as the 43rd mayor of Los Angeles since 2022. She is a member of the Democratic Party and holds the distinction of being the first woman to serve as mayor of the city. Prior to her current role, Bass served in the United States House of Representatives from 2011 to 2022, representing California's 33rd and later 37th congressional districts following district redistributions. During her time in Congress, she chaired the Congressional Black Caucus during the 116th Congress. Before her tenure in Congress, Bass served in the California State Assembly from 2004 to 2010, where she was elected speaker during her final term, making her the first African-American woman to serve as a speaker of a state legislative body in the United States. Her early career included work as a physician assistant and a community organizer. Bass attended San Diego State University and California State University, Dominguez Hills. Her extensive background in legislation and community service has been central to her political career, culminating in her election as the first woman mayor of Los Angeles.