Community Organizer Rae Huang Challenges Mayor Bass in L.A. Race

Rae Huang, a community organizer and minister, has officially announced her candidacy for mayor of Los Angeles, positioning herself as a progressive challenger to incumbent Mayor Karen Bass. Huang, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), aims to bring attention to issues like affordable housing and police reform as she prepares for her campaign launch on January 1, 2024.

Huang, 43, currently serves as the deputy director of Housing Now California, a coalition dedicated to combating tenant displacement. While she is not yet endorsed by the DSA-LA chapter, she expresses hope for support as she enters a race that many view as a long shot against Bass, a seasoned politician with deep ties to the Democratic Party.

In an interview, Huang articulated her vision for the upcoming election, stating, “We are in a place in our country and in our political environment where folks feel stuck and afraid. They feel like nothing is going to change, and the things that are changing are making things even worse.” Her candidacy comes at a time when many Angelenos are frustrated with local governance and public services.

Huang’s Platform and Challenges

Huang’s campaign could present a significant challenge for Bass, especially among left-leaning voters. While Bass has been a prominent figure in Los Angeles politics, she faces criticism over her handling of various issues, including the recovery from the recent Palisades fire and the city’s budgetary constraints. Huang seeks to capitalize on this discontent by advocating for policies such as expanding public housing, making public transportation free, and increasing investment in unarmed crisis responders.

Despite her ambitions, Huang’s path is fraught with challenges. She has no prior experience in elected office and must contend with the political establishment represented by Bass. Doug Herman, a spokesperson for Bass’ campaign, emphasized the progress made under her leadership, highlighting a decline in homelessness for two consecutive years and crime reduction in local neighborhoods. “Homelessness has declined for the first time in two consecutive years, neighborhoods are safer with significant drops in crime,” Herman stated.

Political analysts note that this election cycle differs from previous contests that saw DSA-aligned candidates successfully unseat incumbents. According to Sara Sadhwani, a politics professor at Pomona College, Bass is not in a weakened position similar to those faced by former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo or current New York City Mayor Eric Adams during their respective elections.

Potential Impact on the Race

Huang’s entry into the race could complicate Bass’ reelection efforts. Alongside Huang, former Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Austin Beutner has also declared his candidacy, further crowding the field. Beutner has criticized Bass for her performance on several fronts, including financial management and public safety.

The dynamics of the race could shift significantly depending on the number of candidates. If Huang and others pull enough left-of-center votes, Bass may struggle to secure an outright victory in the June primary. Should she fall below 50% of the vote, a costly runoff campaign would be necessary in the November 2026 election.

Huang’s campaign strategy includes grassroots organizing and outreach to disenfranchised voters. She aims to build a strong ground game by engaging directly with constituents and raising funds to support her campaign. An endorsement from DSA-LA could amplify her visibility, as local members have expressed enthusiasm for her candidacy. To secure this endorsement, Huang needs to gather 50 signatures to trigger a vote among chapter members.

Claire Palmer, an organizer with DSA-LA, remarked, “It’s certainly exciting to see a left challenger to a status-quo Democrat. That always pushes the conversation in a good direction.” Huang’s ability to unite progressive voters will be crucial as she navigates the complexities of the race.

While Huang has yet to engage with DSA-backed members of the City Council, their support could be pivotal. Several members have publicly expressed their support for Bass, complicating Huang’s efforts to gain traction.

As the political landscape evolves, the upcoming election will showcase the differing priorities and visions for Los Angeles. Huang’s candidacy signifies a growing desire for change among residents, even as she faces formidable obstacles in a competitive field. Whether she can translate her grassroots support into a viable challenge for Bass remains to be seen.