Challenge From The Left: A New Obstacle For LA Mayor Bass In 2026?

WESTSIDE - With a billionaire developer already breathing down the neck of embattled LA Mayor Karen Bass in her quest for a second term, could a serious challenge from the far left make a second Bass term even more problematic?

For the bombshell results in the New York City Democratic Primary for Mayor saw a three-term state legislator named Zohran Mamdani takeout political royalty in former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo by a wide margin in a race that sent shock waves through the city's political establishment.

Cuomo, the son of liberal icon Mario Cuomo, also a governor served as Bill Clinton's HUD Secretary as well New York State Attorney General. The shocking loss leaves the Cuomos with the dubious distinction of both father and son losing Democratic primary races for mayor. The elder Cuomo losing in 1977 to Ed Koch and Andrew to the new lion of the left, Zohran Mamdani.

So, the question becomes obvious, can a far-left socialist challenge to Karen Bass further complicate the political landscape, herself a former state legislator and member of the House of Representatives?

Some say a two-way contest between Bass, and 2022 second-place finisher Rick Caruso is a political certainty, which could topple the obscene campaign spending of their first contest. But if Bass is mired in a challenge within a challenge, could she be the incumbent with vulnerabilities far deeper than Caruso himself?

Could Bass receive a political challenge from the left like we saw in New York City with Assemblymember Zohran Mandami defeating former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo?

There absolutely could be a progressive challenge to Bass in 2026 — and unlike previous races where moderate or right‐of-center opponents emerged, here we may actually see a true left wing insurgent.

Why a progressive challenger could emerge:

1. Frustration with her “pragmatism”
   Bass, elected as a progressive, has frustrated many on the left by supporting additional police hires, vetoing a measure to strengthen discipline in the LAPD, and backing anti encampment laws—moves that have drawn criticism from groups like Dignity & Power Now and BLM LA founders Melina Abdullah and Patrisse Cullors.

2. Progressives gaining new clout in LA politics
   The city council now hosts a growing, “super progressive” bloc actively pushing for bold reforms on housing, policing, and tenant rights. That bloc could potentially coalesce around another mayoral alternative.

3. Already-fractious base
   Some progressive activists have publicly rescinded their support for Bass and even launched their own campaigns. Gina Viola, for example, is already running, promising aggressive defunding and homeless support reforms.

Who’s already in the race:

• Vincent Wali (musician, unknown profile)
• Asaad Y. Alnajjar (city engineer)

Neither would be considered progressive firebrands.

Moderate or right-of-center challengers:

• Rick Caruso, the billionaire developer and Bass’s 2022 opponent, remains a distinct possibility having traveled to Texas to be interviewed by Joe Rogan as well as an interview with HBO's Bill Maher.
• LA County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath and LA City Councilmember Monica Rodriguez are also on watch lists as both have increased their political standing.

Likely progressive challengers:

• Gina Viola has signaled interest in a second run.
• Among the progressive caucus of LA council members are Nithya Raman and Eunisses Hernandez (who voted against Bass’s budget due to police funding), or even someone potentially outside that body could run.

Is this scenario similar to the NY upset of Cuomo by Mandami?

The NY scenario (Zohran Mandami defeating Andrew Cuomo) involved a deeply embattled political brand who lost the trust of progressives and voters under 25.
Bass isn’t at that level yet, but parallels are emerging:

• Discontent from the left, over key policy areas like crime and homelessness.
• A base that energized for Bass in 2022 could feel neglected in 2026.
• A strong progressive candidate could seize the opening—though Bass still appears as the frontrunner.

Where things stand:

• No major progressive has been announced— except Viola’s exploratory review.
• 2026 race: Bass has officially entered with Rick Caruso remaining her primary challenge.
• Timeline: June 2, 2026, is the Primary (with a runoff in November, if necessary).

Bottom line:

Mayor Bass could face a credible and persuadable progressive challenger—but the field so far includes only moderate opponents, not a popular left wing firebrand. If a super progressive emerges (backed by the current council bloc and grassroots organizational support), we might see a true, dynamic challenge. While It won’t necessarily mimic the New York 2025 Democratic Mayoral Primary — the ingredients are certainly there for one in this non-partisan primary battle to run Los Angeles.

(Nick Antonicello is a thirty-two-year resident of Venice who covers the local political scene here on the Westside. Have a take or a tip? Contact him via email at [email protected])