The first Black and South Asian woman to be elected Vice President will swear in the first Black woman to be elected the mayor of Los Angeles on Sunday—historic!
According to an assistant of Vice President Kamala Harris, Karen Bass, the soon-to-be 43rd mayor of LA, asked Harris to oversee the oath of office, recognizing that these two women are the most influential Black women in the state. According to the Los Angeles Times, the assistant stated that Harris was honored to do so.
After winning the June primary against former Republican billionaire real estate owner Rick Caruso, Harris and President Joe Biden endorsed the new LA mayor in August. Before Harris became Biden’s permanent running mate, Bass was on his list of prospects.
Former President Barak Obama also supported Bass before the November election. Former Secretary Hillary Clinton, U.S. Senator Corry Booker, and Speaker Nancy Pelosi were also some of the Democratic party affiliates to support the 43rd mayor.
In the end, Bass received more votes than any mayoral candidate in the city’s history, defeating Caruso on Nov. 17.
Harris and Bass had worked together previously on different issues when the Vice President was in the Senate. They both attended an event centered around reproductive rights and the Supreme Court’s decision to annul the Roe vs. Wade decision. They also participated in a political rally the day before Bass’ election.
According to Zach Seidl, Bass’ spokesperson, the election will take place on the steps of City Hall on Sunday and will include entertainment like cultural and musical performances. While Harris will swear in Bass, she will not deliver a speech.
During her campaign trail, Bass emphasized her promise to fix the homeless issue in the city and make Los Angeles housing more affordable.
Bass said that the ceremony was chosen to happen on Sunday “to make it easier for Angelenos to attend and to ensure her first day as mayor is dedicated to bringing unhoused Angelenos inside and making our city safer and more livable for all.”
