Karen Bass seeks to fill the vacant seat in CA-33

Karen Bass is running for Congress in California’s 33rd District.  She faces a primary and a general election race.

Karen Bass was recruited to run for office by Rep. Diane Watson, who is retiring from the congressional seat that represents the 33rd District.  Bass has served as a great advocate for women and children during her time as the Speaker of the California State Assembly, and would continue to help pass legislation that benefits those groups as a member of Congress.

Background:

• Rep. Diane Watson, who currently holds the seat, is retiring.  Rep. Watson mentored Bass from the time she recruited Bass to run for the State Legislature. 
• Bass is currently the Speaker of the California State Assembly, making her the first African American woman in the nation to hold this position.
• During her tenure as Speaker, Bass authored legislation that expands Healthy Families Insurance Coverage to prevent children from going without health coverage
• Bass is committed to poverty issues affecting women, foster care, and TANAF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) and has worked on all these issues while serving in the California State Legislature.
• Bass also worked as a Physician Assistant for almost a decade and was a Clinical Instructor at the USC Keck School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program.
• She founded Community Coalition, a social justice organization in Southern Los Angeles.

Bass’s Position on Key Issues:

• Reproductive Rights: Supports a woman’s right to choose without restrictions.
• Women’s Rights:  Takes the lead on Women’s Rights, especially Feminization of Poverty issues
• LGBT Rights: Supports marriage equality and has worked with the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center.

Primary Opponents:

• Felton Newell (D): LA deputy attorney
• Mervin Evans (D): author

General Election Opponent

• James Andion (D): attorney

Prospects:California’s 33rd district is heavily democratic.  There are 6 democratic candidates declared for the Democratic primary, which will be held on June 8.  Karen Bass is the only woman in the race for the Democratic nomination.  Bass has received support from Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and many labor groups, so her chances of winning the primary are good. Bass also has a slight fundraising advantage over the other candidates. 

Other Endorsements: NWPC, Emily’s List, WCF

Website: http://karenbass.com/