Jonathan Howard, Sierra Club Angeles Chapter, jonathan.howard@sierraclub.org
LOS ANGELES, CA – Today, the Sierra Club announced its endorsement of Karen Bass for Mayor of Los Angeles. Karen Bass currently serves as a U.S. Representative from California's 37th congressional district and Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus.
While there are several qualified candidates for Mayor who have themselves been environmental champions, the Sierra Club based its decision to endorse Karen Bass on her understanding of climate change as one of the greatest challenges facing our nation and the world, along with her progressive stances on a range of issues that have an impact on everyday Angelenos.
These include the housing crisis and homelessness, transportation, and environmental justice. Bass was also an early endorser of the Green New Deal. Bass’ background as a community organizer, as well as her extensive experience in the California legislature, where she was Speaker of the Assembly, and in Congress, will serve her well as Mayor given the increasing need for local governments to coordinate with the state and federal governments. Bass will be the first woman to be L.A.’s mayor.
“We are pleased to announce the Sierra Club’s official endorsement of Karen Bass for Mayor of Los Angeles today,” said Marlene Esquivel, Angeles Chapter Political Committee Co-Chair. “As a community organizer and dedicated Member of Congress, Karen Bass has an understanding of environmental justice and the intersectionality of climate and economic justice that is unparalleled. Her progressive record on climate makes us confident she will do an excellent job in protecting the air, climate, and water of Angelenos and continue LA’s leadership as a global city.”
The Sierra Club is pleased to join labor and civil rights leader Dolores Huerta, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Senator Cory Booker, numerous other elected officials, former mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, many labor unions, the California Black Women’s Democratic Club, Emily’s List, and many others in their endorsement of Karen Bass.
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.