Karen Bass, also known as Karen Ruth Bass, is a notable figure in American politics and social work. She achieved a significant milestone by becoming the mayor of Los Angeles in December 2022, making her the first woman and the second African American to hold this position.
Bass, a Democratic Party member, has a background in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the California State Assembly. She served in the House from 2011 to 2022 and played a notable role in the State Assembly from 2004 to 2010. During her time there, she made history as the first African American woman to hold the position of speaker.
Early Life and Education
Bass was raised in the Los Angeles neighborhoods of Venice and Fairfax. She completed her high school education at Alexander Hamilton High School in 1971. Initially, she pursued philosophy at San Diego State University before transferring to the University of Southern California (USC). In 1982, she obtained her physician assistant degree from USC’s Keck School of Medicine.
Later on, in 1990, she earned a Bachelor of Science in health sciences from California State University, Dominguez Hills. In 2015, she successfully finished her Master’s degree in social work at USC.
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Career Highlights
Karen Bass has a notable professional career characterized by noteworthy accomplishments in both public service and community activism. Presented below are several notable milestones from her career:
- Community Coalition (1989): Co-founded an organization to address systemic issues in South Los Angeles.
- California State Assembly (2004–2010): First African American woman to serve as Speaker, focusing on child welfare and budget reform.
- U.S. House of Representatives (2011–2022): Advocated for criminal justice reform and foster care improvements; served as chair of the Congressional Black Caucus.
- Mayor of Los Angeles (2022–Present): First female mayor and second Black mayor, prioritizing homelessness solutions and public safety initiatives.
Age
As of 2025, Karen Bass is 71 years old. She was born on October 3, 1953, in Los Angeles, California.
Height
Karen Bass is approximately 5 feet 4 inches tall.
Parents
Karen Bass was raised in Los Angeles, specifically in the Venice and Fairfax neighborhoods. Her parents were Wilhelmina Duckett and DeWitt Talmadge Bass. Her father worked as a postal letter carrier while her mother took care of the household. Living in these neighborhoods exposed her to significant events like the civil rights movement, which greatly impacted her dedication to community activism.
Husband and Children
From 1980 to 1986, Karen Bass was married to Jesus Lechuga. Even after their divorce, they remained committed to co-parenting their daughter, Emilia, alongside Lechuga’s four biological children: Scythia, Omar, Yvette, and Ollin. Despite the end of their marriage, Bass continued to foster a strong bond with Lechuga and his children, emphasizing the significance of family unity. Currently, she is not in a relationship.
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Net Worth
Karen Bass’s net worth is estimated to be approximately $5 million as of 2024.
Social Media Presence
Karen Bass is active on several social media platforms. Here are her official accounts:
- Instagram: @mayorofla (Official account for the Mayor of Los Angeles)
- Facebook: Mayor Karen Bass (Official page)
- X (Twitter): @KarenBassLA (Used for campaign purposes)
FAQs about Karen Bass
Who is Karen Bass?
Karen Bass is an American politician and social worker who has served as the 43rd mayor of Los Angeles since December 2022. She is the first female mayor and the second African American to hold this position.
What initiatives has she championed?
Bass has been an advocate for:
Foster care reform: Founded the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth.
Criminal justice reform: Co-authored the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.
Community empowerment: Co-founded the Community Coalition to address systemic issues in South Los Angeles.
What is her family background?
Karen Bass was born to Wilhelmina Duckett and DeWitt Talmadge Bass. She has one daughter, Emilia Bass-Lechuga, and four stepchildren from her marriage to Jesus Lechuga.
