A new Rasmussen Reports poll highlights dissatisfaction among Los Angeles voters with Mayor Karen Bass’s leadership, showing her approval rating at 42% and disapproval at 44%. The survey, conducted January 13-15 among 809 likely voters in Los Angeles County, has a margin of error of 3.5%. The results reflect a Democratic-leaning electorate, aligning with the area’s typical political composition.
The criticism centers around Bass’s response to the devastating wildfires that have consumed large parts of the city. Her absence during the initial outbreak, as she attended events at the U.S. Ambassador’s residence in Ghana, has intensified scrutiny. The poll reveals that 57% of voters rate her wildfire management as poor (33%) or fair (27%), compared to just 36% who view it as excellent (15%) or good (21%).
Even among Democrats, Bass faces challenges, with 48% expressing dissatisfaction with her wildfire response compared to 45% who approve. Public employees, however, received high praise, with 69% of respondents commending their efforts during the crisis.
A particularly revealing finding shows that 35% of voters believe Rick Caruso, Bass’s 2022 opponent, would have been a better choice for mayor, while 29% disagree. Caruso notably employed private firefighters to protect his Pacific Palisades mall, one of the few structures left intact in the area. This contrast has fueled further criticism of Bass’s approach.
Bass, who secured her mayoral victory with 55% of the vote in 2022, focused her campaign on issues like abortion, emphasizing her pro-choice stance against Caruso, a former Republican. Despite this, her handling of the wildfires has led to discussions of a potential recall, though organizing such efforts in Los Angeles is notoriously difficult.
Interestingly, the poll shows that Governor Gavin Newsom escapes similar criticism, with 54% rating his wildfire management as good or excellent. His overall approval rating sits at 57%, with 39% disapproving. When asked about the wildfires’ causes, 40% of respondents blamed climate change, while 51% cited other factors, including natural forces (27%) and public officials (24%). Additionally, 79% believe arson likely played a role in the disaster.
The poll underscores a challenging political landscape for Mayor Bass as she contends with voter dissatisfaction and the aftermath of the catastrophic wildfires.