Karen Bass Endorsed by Hollywood’s Crew Unions In L.A. Mayor’s Race
Hollywood’s crew establishment has come out in favor of re-electing Karen Bass to the position of mayor of Los Angeles.
The California IATSE Council, the political wing of the crew union IATSE in the state, revealed on Wednesday that it was endorsing Bass for the position due to “her consistent commitment to labor and the issues affecting union workers.” The same day, the American Federation of Musicians Local 47, representing a workforce of professional musicians including those working in film and television, also came out in favor of the incumbent mayor.
In its explanation of its support, the California IATSE Council cited Bass’ frequent communication with the union and her efforts to bring film and television production back to Los Angeles, “more … than anyone in city government.” Two executive orders that she has made as mayor aimed at cutting down on the municipal red tape faced by productions have also pleased the union.
The labor group additionally cited Bass’ support of a federal film and television tax credit, her involvement in workforce development efforts for the industry and her attention to labor amid planning for marquee events like the 2028 Summer Olympics, the expansion of the Los Angeles Convention Center and the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
On behalf of AFM Local 47, president Marc Sazer called Bass “a champion of issues of direct concern to musicians, whether we perform on film and TV scores, make music played on AM/FM radio or play in live music venues.”
The show of support arrives at a critical time for Bass, a little less than two weeks before the June 2 primary and as recent polls have shown her in the lead but with former reality TV villain-turned-politico Spencer Pratt closing in. Pratt, a registered Republican who is running as an independent, has made a campaign issue of Bass’ response to the 2025 Palisades Fire, which destroyed his home with wife and former co-star on The Hills, Heidi Montag.
Hollywood has so far splintered in its support of mayoral candidates. Bass has received the backing of some classic Hollywood Democrats, including J.J. Abrams and Katie McGrath, Magic Johnson, Yvette Nicole Brown, Samuel L. Jackson, Don Cheadle, producer Jamie Patricof and Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole founding partner Matt Johnson.
But Pratt seems to be scooping up some in the executive and magnate class, including L.A. Lakers owner Jeanie Buss, former Activision CEO Bobby Kotick, Saban entertainment founder Haim Saban and music execs Lucian and Elliot Grainge. Nithya Raman, meanwhile, has garnered support from the industry’s substantial progressive wing: Natalie Portman, comedians Kate Berlant, Adam Conover and Zoe Lister Jones and producer David Mandel are just some of the names that have appeared in Raman’s social media feeds or attended fundraisers.
By siding with Bass, some of Hollywood’s crew unions are following the lead of other local labor organizations including SEIU Local 721, the California Nurses Association and the Los Angeles Police Protective League, as well as the influential Los Angeles Federation of Labor.
The Hollywood Teamsters, with a membership of drivers, casting directors and locations and animal professionals in entertainment, have already come out in support of Bass.
In a statement on the endorsements, Bass said for her entire career she had worked to “make sure L.A. remains the entertainment capital of the world.” She added, “We’ve streamlined permitting, cut red tape, reduced fees and helped expand the tax credits that our partners in the industry have asked for. I look forward to continuing that work together.”
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